Once your child has their baby teeth, that can only mean one thing – it’s time to start going to the dentist!
While many people have a dislike or fear of dentists stemming from unpleasant experiences, taking care of your teeth is an important habit to teach your children. There’s really no need to be scared – and that goes for both you and your child! Kid-friendly dentists like us here at Wiggly Teeth make the whole experience as easy and enjoyable as possible.
We recommend that children get regular check-ups with a scale and polish (a professional dental clean) every six months from the age of 2 or 3 years old.
Why? Well, even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque (a soft substance full of bacteria) and calculus (a hard build-up of calcium, to which plaque sticks) will accumulate on teeth. The bacteria harboured in the plaque, in conjunction with sugars and starches in food, release icky toxins and acid. These can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other afflictions that can be very painful (not to mention expensive) to endure and have treated.
A scale and polish is a quick and easy way to remove plaque and calculus, reducing your child’s risk of dental problems later on.
The scale and polish involves the gentle use of instruments to first loosen and remove built-up calculus, then make the teeth smooth and shiny. This prevents that bacteria-filled plaque from building up and causing tooth decay and gum disease. The whole process only takes a few minutes and generally doesn’t hurt – it can just be a bit tickly.
One thing’s certain: prevention is better than a cure! Getting teeth polished from time to time is much nicer for children than getting fillings.
We’re all about making visits to the dentist fun, not frightening, and instilling good dental hygiene habits in your children for life. As a children’s dental practice, we go above and beyond to make sure your child is comfortable before we carry out their treatments. We’ll also provide plenty of advice – to you and the kiddies – about how to look after theirlittle teeth and maintain a happy, healthy smile.
