Pediatric Dental Cleanings in Lawrenceville, GA

Even if your children practice great oral hygiene at home, it can still be beneficial for them to have a professional dental cleaning at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry twice each year. Using special instruments, our caring team performs professional dental cleanings by gently removing plaque and tartar that has accumulated on the teeth, and then polishes the enamel for a healthier, brighter smile. After your child's cleaning, you can ask Dr. Jeni Kong and our staff for tips on how to best care for your child's teeth at home and discover certain areas that may need special attention. A professional dental cleaning will give board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Jeni a chance to identify any problem areas in your child's mouth that may need treatment. Having a professional dental cleaning is an important step in keeping up your family's dental health, so make an appointment for your children at our Lawrenceville, GA facility today.

It's never too early to start laying the foundation for a lifetime of good dental health. In addition to keeping your child's smile healthy and bright, regular pediatric dental cleanings at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry can deliver a range of benefits, including:

• Preventing the development of cavities
• Allowing Dr. Jeni to catch dental problems early in their development
• Encouraging good dental habits at an early age
• May help prevent or minimize dental anxiety later in life

Dr. Jeni, along with the ADA (American Dental Association), recommends that patients have a professional cleaning two times a year. Babies should visit the dentist before they turn a year old. Following your child's initial visit with our office, Dr. Jeni can help you decide when your child is old enough for their next dental appointment. A professional cleaning may help your child to avoid developing cavities, as built-up plaque-bacteria (the primary culprit for tooth decay) is removed. A cleaning will also eliminate stains and tartar from the teeth. To give your children happy and healthy smiles, encourage a positive relationship with dentistry, and avoid the potential for costlier treatments, schedule their cleaning visits at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry today.

A professional cleaning starts by addressing the tartar and plaque that accumulate on the enamel, While plaque can be removed easily at home with daily brushing and flossing, tartar adheres to the teeth and is more difficult to remove. Special instruments are used to scale tartar and plaque buildup from the teeth without harming the enamel. Depending on the amount of plaque and tartar accumulation, we may use an ultrasonic instrument (which combines sonic vibrations and a fine water mist) to clear debris from the teeth. Next, we'll utilize hand instruments, such as a scaler or curette, to fine scale and remove smaller areas of buildup. Every tooth will be individually scaled to ensure all areas are free of plaque and tartar. After we've completed this step, we'll carefully polish the teeth to remove surface stains and create a smooth finish. We typically provide professional fluoride treatments at the end of the appointment to help protect your child's smile against cavity formation. 

Dr. Jeni may recommend cleanings more often if your child has other oral health concerns or is wearing braces. Throughout the cleaning appointment, Dr. Jeni or one of our caring team members will help your child develop a good home oral care routine by recommending dental products and demonstrating techniques that can focus on your child's specific areas concern. Until children reach a certain age and level of dexterity, it is important for you to co-brush and floss your child's teeth to help them enjoy a healthy smile between visits. Routine dental cleanings are advantageous for your child's teeth, smile, and overall health, so be sure to schedule regular dental appointments with our friendly team at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry.

A professional dental cleaning is a preventive treatment and typically covered by insurance. A member of our office will consult with your insurance company to understand your child's coverage and determine if you should expect any out-of-pocket expenses. If your child does not have insurance, you can talk to our team about the payment methods we accept and receive more information on special patient financing.

Dr. Jeni may suggest cleanings more often for some children if they have certain oral health concerns, like gingivitis or regular cavities. Throughout your child’s cleaning, Dr. Jeni or a team member will help your child design a routine for good oral health at home by demonstrating techniques or recommending products that will focus on your little one’s needs. These are very beneficial for your child’s teeth and your wallet, so make sure you schedule regular dental cleanings for your child at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry.

How often should children have their teeth cleaned?

Just like adults, the ADA (American Dental Association) recommends that children have their teeth cleaned every six months, beginning after their first tooth appears, typically around the age of one year.

Is a pediatric dental cleaning painful?

No, most people and even children don't find a dental cleaning painful or experience any discomfort. If there is any tooth sensitivity after the cleaning, it typically goes away quickly.

How long does a dental cleaning take?

A typical pediatric dental cleaning takes about 45 minutes, during which the dental hygienist will clean your child's teeth, remove plaque and tartar, polish the teeth, and apply fluoride if needed. If additional procedures, such as sealants or fluoride treatments, are required, the appointment may take a bit longer. These steps help ensure comprehensive dental care and maintain your child's oral health.

Do pediatric dental cleanings damage the teeth?

No, pediatric dental cleanings do not damage the teeth. The enamel of teeth is very strong and resilient, and a dental cleaning doesn't harm it. During a cleaning, plaque and tartar are removed, which actually helps to protect and maintain the health of the teeth. Regular dental cleanings are essential for preventing cavities and other dental issues, ensuring your child's teeth remain strong and healthy.

Will my child's teeth be flossed during their in-office cleaning?

In most cases, yes, as part of a comprehensive dental cleaning, your child's teeth will be flossed during their in-office visit. Flossing is an essential step in maintaining good oral hygiene, as it helps remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gumline. Our pediatric dental professionals will use specialized tools and techniques to make the experience comfortable for your child. Regular flossing during dental cleanings promotes healthy gums and reduces the risk of cavities, contributing to your child's overall oral health.

What should I do if my child is scared to go to the dentist?

Dental anxiety is common in children, but there are several strategies to help alleviate their fears. It's particularly helpful for parents to maintain a positive and reassuring attitude about dental visits. You can also:

• Choose a pediatric dentist experienced in working with children
• Schedule a "meet and greet" visit to familiarize your child with the dental office
• Use positive language and avoid negative dental-related terms
• Offer a small reward or incentive for a successful visit
• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing with your child
• Read age-appropriate books or watch videos about dental visits to reduce uncertainty

Our caring team understands the unique anxiety that many children have about visiting the dentist, and we are committed to ensuring each child has a positive, comfortable, and enjoyable experience.

Help keep your child's smile healthy and bright with twice-yearly dental cleanings at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA. Dr. Jeni and our caring team are proud to provide family-oriented, caring dentistry so that children maintain a positive attitude toward oral health. A vital procedure in any preventive oral health plan, a dental cleaning may help minimize the future need for more complex care and expensive treatments. Contact our front office today to schedule an appointment for your children.