Dental Cleaning for Kids
Puyallup, WA
Pediatric Dental Cleanings provided by Dr. Hersey
in Puyallup, WA at Puyallup Pediatric Dentistry
 We love to see your kids for professional dental cleaning appointments at least once a year.
This time together is valuable, it allows us to check progress, evaluate areas for potential problems, provide hygiene education, and create a working relationship with your child.
At Puyallup Pediatric Dentistry, we know that starting dental routines and being comfortable at the dentist office will help your child through their lifetime.
Dental cleaning appointments are geared toward the age and appropriateness of the child. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests first dental appointments to begin at age 2.
Your child's dental work actually began before they were even born, and should be considered daily throughout their life. Diet and sugar intake do play a role, as well as brushing and flossing.
What to Expect at a Dental Cleaning and Checkup AppointmentYour child's dental cleaning will be tailored to fit your child's needs. This means that their age, maturity and understanding is taken into consideration. We are happy to accommodate our services around any special needs or disabilities.
Dental Cleaning and Exam for Younger Children
We prioritize comfort at dental cleaning and exam appointments for our younger children.
Whether they have no teeth, or primary teeth, we want to help your child gain trust with our office and the work we do while also evaluating any potential risk that we can assist with. We will:
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Introduce Equipment: Whether the child is ready to sit in the chair, or on your lap, we want to introduce the space and tools. We will show them the tools we use, we may even let them hold some. We will then use an exploratory tool to look for anything out of the ordinary that needs addressing.
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Dental Cleaning: Our professional hygienist will perform a simple cleaning, often with simply a toothbrush. We may use this time to demonstrate techniques and provide guidance.
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Dental Hygiene Education: Following the cleaning, we are happy to offer age appropriate tips or hygiene education to the parent or child. We want our parents to help foster a positive oral health education in their children with daily cleaning of their teeth. We ask that parents are actively involved in their child's daily oral healthcare until at least the age of seven. We may also discuss the importance of healthy food and answer any questions you may have.
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Oral Examination: Our dental team will then perform a simple oral examination. We look for any caries, decay, or areas of concern. This may include spacing as permanent teeth are growing. Studies tell us that early orthodontia can make a huge difference in your child's bite and may even reduce the need for braces later on.
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Prevention: We conclude our appointment with reviewing any possible preventive tools that could assist in better oral health. We may suggest a fluoride treatment or the application of dental sealants. |
Dental Cleaning and Exam for Older Children and Adolescents
For children and adolescents who have grown many of their permanent teeth, we continue their cleaning and exam appointments with the intention of continued long term oral health. Their appointment will include:
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Removing Plaque: Plaque is a naturally forming substance created from debris and saliva, it also is a place that bacteria can thrive leading to decay and gum disease. We want to remove any plaque build-up from the surfaces and between teeth.
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Remove Tartar: Tartar, or calculus, is plaque that has dried hard on the teeth. It can be difficult to remove and should only be removed by a professional to limit damage to the enamel. Tartar below the gum line is also an indicator of gum disease, and generally appears on older children and adults.
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Education on Dental Health: We want to provide the tips and education to help your child have increased success in keeping their teeth and gums healthy. We may discuss brushing techniques, the importance of flossing, or other dental tools such as a rotating brush.
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Dental Exam: Following the dental cleaning, our dental team will examine the entire oral structure. This includes a simple oral cancer checkup. Using a probe, we will look for disease, decay, and any other possible indicators of problems. We may also discuss orthodontia and other preventive care such as a fluoride treatment or dental sealants. |
Creating a Healthy Oral Hygiene Routine
Oral hygiene is a never ending, daily process because disease causing bacteria is ever present in our mouths.
It is in the foods we consume, the air we breathe, and from the people around us. We need to drink water, brush and floss daily to reduce it.
Your child's oral health began in the womb, the food choices you made impacted the growth of their teeth.
Once born, even before the teeth have erupted, their oral health continues to matter.
We recommend beginning to care for their gums right away by considering what they put in their mouths, avoiding unnecessary sugar, and wiping their gums daily with a clean damp cloth.
The process of a simple wipe of their gums can remove harmful bacteria and get you in the habit of daily considering their oral health.
Once a tooth has grown, you will want to begin daily brushing.
The process should be fast and simple with the slightest swipe of a soft brush, but again continuing that pattern of daily oral hygiene. As more teeth continue to grow, you will want to remain vigilant in their diet and daily brushing.
We ask that parents remain a daily presence in their child's oral hygiene until at least the age of seven. As they age, you will still want to daily ask that they brushed and flossed for many years to come.
In addition to hygiene, consider preventive tools we have to offer. Consider requesting a fluoride treatment to strengthen teeth, and dental sealants to protect teeth.
Working together, we can help your child have lifelong oral health.
Call and Learn More!
We invite you to call us at (253) 864-9889 with any questions about your child's first visit! |
