Can a Kid Friendly Dentist Perform a Dental Cleaning on Children?

A kid-friendly dentist can perform specialized dental cleanings for children ensuring they receive the oral health care they need while remaining comfortable. It is a non-invasive procedure involving little to no risk for the child. However, some parents may not realize the significance of choosing the right dentist for the simplest procedures. While it is acceptable to choose a general dentist, a kid-friendly dentist specializes in setting a healthy foundation for children orally and mentally when it comes to dentistry.

The role of a kid-friendly dentist

A kid-friendly dentist serves as the child’s primary dentist throughout their childhood and adolescence. The primary thing that separates a kid-friendly dentist from other dentists is their commitment to making their office comfortable and relaxing for children. This allows them to treat children more effectively and helps ensure they have good memories that can impact how they view the dentist for decades.

Performing a dental cleaning on children

A dental cleaning is a common procedure to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other concerns. Primarily, it removes plaque and tartar build-up on the enamel of teeth and along the child’s gum line. During the process, the oral hygienist or dentist will assess problem areas and educate the parent and child on ways to improve the oral care regime. Overall, it is a non-invasive procedure that takes less than an hour to complete. While it is common to feel some minor scraping against the tooth, most patients do not report any discomfort.

When a dental cleaning is recommended for children

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children receive a dental cleaning twice or thrice yearly. This is primarily recommended for preventative measures, making it important for children to receive a standard cleaning even if they have good oral health. However, some cases may require a deeper cleaning or additional visits. For example, if the child has gum disease, the dentist may recommend a deep dental cleaning, which cleans below the gum line.

The risks of skipping dental cleanings

Some parents assume dental cleanings are unimportant if their child has no visible or painful oral health concerns. However, skipping routine cleanings can increase the risk of the child developing oral health concerns such as cavities, gum disease, and stains on teeth. Also, it is important to remember that the mouth can be a strong indicator of how one’s organs are performing. Therefore, dentists can help identify oral concerns that are linked to other medical conditions happening within the body.

What to expect during the first visit with a kid-friendly dentist

A consultation with a kid-friendly dentist allows the child and the parent to get to know the dentist and their staff. They will likely do a walkthrough of the full office to make the child feel more comfortable. Often, a staff member or the dentist will discuss what the child can expect during their first procedure using props or showing the child the special tools they will use. The dental cleaning can take place on the first visit or during a follow-up, depending on factors such as time constraints and how comfortable the patient is receiving treatment on the first visit.