One of the best things you can do for your child’s smile is to maintain meticulous oral hygiene practices and visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry for regular dental exams and cleanings. Our team is committed to instilling positive oral care habits from a very young age to set the stage for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles!

Why Care for Baby Teeth?

While preventable, tooth decay continues to be the most common childhood disease today. Unfortunately, most children don’t set foot in a dentist’s office until they suffer excruciating pain due to deep decay. But since baby teeth fall out anyway, they don’t matter. Right? Wrong!

Healthy primary teeth translate to healthy adult teeth. That’s because baby teeth act as placeholders for the permanent teeth and guide them to come in the correct alignment when it’s time. If a baby tooth falls out too early, the surrounding teeth may move into the gap, leading to crooked teeth and problems with the bite, meaning your little one will likely need orthodontic treatment down the road.

Healthy baby teeth are also important for speech development and allow your child to eat without pain, ensuring adequate nutrition. Routine preventive dental care will help your little one enjoy a healthy smile that lasts.

How Often Do Children Need to Have Their Teeth Cleaned?

According to the American Dental Association, kids need to have their teeth cleaned and their oral health examined every six months. If, however, a child has special concerns or is prone to developing dental problems, including tooth decay, cavities, or gum disease, we may recommend more frequent preventive visits. Keep in mind that a child should start seeing a dentist as soon as the first tooth makes an appearance and no later than the first birthday.

Why Do Children Need Dental Cleanings?

Healthy smiles start at home, but even with the best brushing and flossing practices, your little one can’t remove all the cavity-causing plaque. Our dental hygienists will clean those pearly whites and ensure no plaque or tartar remains, which helps lower the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. If needed, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen your child’s teeth and make them more resistant to tooth decay and cavities.

Dental cleaning appointments are the perfect opportunity for our team to evaluate every aspect of your child’s oral health. If we detect signs of cavities, gum disease, problems with the bite, or any other concerns, we’ll talk to you about prompt treatment options to restore your child’s healthy smile.

Healthy Habits for Healthy Smiles

We encourage you to start caring for your little one’s smile as soon as you see that first pearly white emerge. Make sure to wipe plaque off your baby’s gums and teeth with a wet gauze or clean washcloth. Avoid using a bottle at bedtime to prevent early tooth decay.

Help your toddler or child brush their teeth at least twice a day until they become proficient. Don’t forget to visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry for your child’s routine dental exams and cleanings to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of good dental health and happy smiles.

Quality Preventive Dentistry Services in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to schedule your child’s routine dental cleaning. We look forward to working alongside you in laying the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Call us and schedule your appointment today!