Dental Cleaning for Kids and Teens

Dental Cleanings or Prophylaxis (“prophy”) is an essential component of preventive dentistry. The goal is to remove microbial plaque which can cause gingivitis (gum inflammation), and cavities.

Only our professional staff can determine how frequently this must be done. Some patients accumulate tartar faster than others.

Prophylaxis and Why It Will Help Your Kid

If you regularly visit a pediatric dentist, then it’s likely you have your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year. This is to remove any hardened plaque or tartar from teeth, which helps keep your teeth and gums in great shape.

Prophylaxis reduces the risk of gum disease and tooth decay and your kid needs regular professional dental cleanings for exactly the same reasons as you. During this appointment, it’s also possible for the hygienist to identify any areas your child might be missing whenever they brush or floss their teeth.

This will allow your local kid’s dentist to provide personalized oral hygiene instructions to help your child brush in the most effective way possible. If they do need any tuition on how to brush and floss then you can be sure it will be done in a way that is entertaining and fun.

Treatments to Protect Their Teeth

Regular brushing and flossing will do a lot to keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong there are treatments that can help provide a little more protection.

Fluoride Varnish

Fluoride is a great way to protect young teeth as it helps to harden tooth enamel, reducing the risk of cavities. Your pediatric dentist can apply fluoride topically to tooth surfaces in the form of a varnish.

This is a quick and painless treatment as the varnish is simply painted onto newly cleaned teeth. It must be left in place for several hours or even overnight before your child can brush it off. During this time, they will still be able to eat and drink normally.

Read more about how Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) can prevent, slow, or stop tooth decay. SDF can also be used, like fluoride varnish, to prevent decay.

Dental Sealants

Back teeth are often prone to developing cavities and if you look at them you will see why. The chewing surfaces have lots of grooves and fissures that are quite tricky to keep clean and which can easily trap food and bacteria.

Dental sealants are a fantastic way to protect these surfaces and are generally applied to a child’s adult back teeth soon after they emerge. This includes the molars and premolars. It’s essential to do this treatment at this stage because dental sealants can only be applied to teeth that do not have cavities or fillings or any signs of decay. Treatment is every bit as painless as fluoride varnish.

All these treatments will help keep your kid’s teeth in great shape but you will also find your pediatric dentist can offer lots of advice and information about children’s dental care. Dr. Sara can even talk to you about their dietary needs and how particular diet choices can influence their dental health.

With the right kind of dental care, there is no reason why your child shouldn’t enjoy great dental health for life.

Upper East Side Neighborhoods We Serve:

Do you have any questions about the dental cleaning for kids and teens we offer in NYC? Would you like to schedule an appointment with the best in class New York City pediatric dentist and a top  rated dental specialist Dr. Sara Babich? Please call our office at 212-988-4070 or visit our kids dentistry center in Manhattan on Upper East Side.

Pediatric Dentistry: Dr. Sara B. Babich, DDS
116 E 84th St
New York, NY 10028
(84th St. btw Park Ave / Lex Ave)
☎ 212-988-4070

Contact us today to learn more about our
New York City pediatric dentistry practice (212) 988-4070