The dental habits formed in a child’s early years will actually determine the future health of their teeth. Getting professional dental cleanings and oral exams regularly allows your child to receive expert care from our Marietta dental hygienist. But while many parents certainly understand the necessity of dental visits, some remain uncertain about the frequency of these appointments for their children.
How Often Should My Child See a Dental Hygienist?
Children should generally have dental check-ups every six months. For most children, this schedule enables the dental hygienist to monitor tooth development and identify any potential issues – cavities, gum inflammation and so on.
However, as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has suggested, in some cases a pediatric dentist that has assessed a child’s oral health may recommend a different time frame. As children experience rapid changes in their teeth during their early years, more regular visits can be valuable.
We recently discussed the age kids should get their teeth cleaned – and the answer may come as a surprise to some parents. Getting an early start can acclimate a child to the recurring twice-a-year dental experience, and help build a good relationship with their Marietta dental hygienist.
What Happens During a Visit to a Dental Hygienist?
A dental hygienist provides personalized treatment depending on your child’s age and oral health needs. Many of the following steps are involved in a typical oral examination.
- Oral Examination – Check teeth, gums and mouth for any issues.
- Teeth Cleaning – Remove plaque and tartar from teeth.
- Polishing Teeth – Smooth and clean tooth surfaces.
- Fluoride Treatment – Apply fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel.
- Dental Education – Teach proper brushing and flossing techniques.
- Dental X-rays – Take X-rays if needed to check for hidden issues.
How a Child Benefits From Regular Visits to a Dental Hygienist
Taking your child to the dentist every six months, or according to your dentist’s recommended schedule, has many immediate and long-term benefits. For example, many oral health issues – including tooth decay and gum inflammation – do take time to develop. When you avoid the dentist’s office for long periods of time such issues can get worse; then you could require an undesired treatment like dental fillings to fix cavities.
Dental visits emphasize the importance of oral hygiene for children, and regular visits allow for evolving dental care. For example, as children grow their dental care requirements change, and this can mean making adjustments in both preventive measures and treatments.
And importantly, children are less likely to experience anxiety and fear about dental visits when they make regular visits to a familiar environment.
Contact Us for Dental Hygienist Visits in Marietta
Shining Smiles Family Dentistry is a trusted provider of oral exams and dental cleanings for adults and children. Visit our Marietta practice for first-class oral hygiene and family dentistry. Call (770) 420-8550 or request a dental appointment today.
