Caring for your teeth is important at any age. So, when should your child get a dental cleaning? Here’s how to know when it’s time for a cleaning and how to prepare your child so that you can ensure they get the best care for their smile.
What is a Dental Cleaning?
Before we answer the question, “When should your child get a dental cleaning?” let’s talk about what a dental cleaning is. A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning that is done by a specialist called a dental hygienist who works alongside your child’s dentist to help keep their teeth looking and feeling their very best.
Dental cleanings are important because even the best at-home dental care routine of brushing and flossing can miss important areas between the teeth and along the gumline that tend to be more difficult to clean. A dental hygienist has special training and tools that help them reach those areas and clean them more thoroughly than a regular toothbrush and floss might be able to.
Is Your Child Ready?
Your child should start visiting the dentist around the time that their first tooth erupts or by 1 year of age. A child’s first dental cleaning is typically recommended sometime after that, usually, once most of their primary teeth have come in, between 12 months to 36 months.
Your child’s dentist can help you know the signs to look for so that you can make sure that they get their first dental cleaning at the ideal time for their growth, development, and dental care needs.
How Often Does Your Child Need a Cleaning?
Just like adults, children should get a dental cleaning regularly. If your child has healthy teeth and gums, their dentist will likely recommend that they visit every 6 months for a cleaning and exam. If they are at a higher risk of cavities or other health issues developing that could affect their dental health, your child’s dentist might recommend that they visit more often.
A dentist who specializes in pediatric dental care will be able to give you the most insight on the answers to questions like, “When should your child get a dental cleaning?” and how to best care for your child’s teeth between visits because keeping children’s smiles healthy is their specialty!
Call our Avondale, Gilbert or Mesa dental office, to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.