Kids’ Dental Cleanings and Exams in San Antonio, TX

At Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry, our speciality is caring for children. That’s why we are committed to providing affordable teeth cleanings for kids. One of the primary ways we can teach our young patients the importance of good hygiene is through our children’s teeth cleaning exam. And because our office is designed to be kid-friendly, we hope your child will actually look forward to each pediatric dental checkup.

Why are pediatric teeth cleanings important?

Some people wonder: Why bother about cleaning teeth that are eventually going to fall out? Baby teeth are a lot more important than you might think. First off, they guide the arrival of permanent teeth. Healthy primary teeth also facilitate successful speech, which is a critical child development milestone. Finally, baby teeth might be small but they can still get cavities. During your kid’s teeth cleaning, we will scrape off any accumulated plaque, which is the precursor to cavities. Decayed baby teeth can cause pain and more serious dental problems if they are not caught and treated.

How long do teeth cleanings take?

That depends in part on how many teeth your child has! We want to see your little one as soon as they start getting teeth, but obviously the cleaning doesn’t take long at all. Part of the reason for a baby or toddler teeth cleaning is to help your young child get used to dental visits. Even when children have more teeth, the cleaning and education will usually take less than half an hour.

How often should my child brush their teeth?

The importance of twice daily brushing cannot be overemphasized. We can show your child good brushing techniques during their dental cleaning, but children will need brushing quality control checks from mom or dad for many years. As soon as your child has teeth that are touching, we will show them how to floss their teeth. Flossing is the best way to remove plaque from kids’ teeth at home.

Can kids get gum disease?

Part of the kids’ dental cleaning and exam is a check for gum disease. Unfortunately gingivitis is quite common in children. We want to catch it before it becomes the more serious form of gum disease known as periodontal disease. Gum disease is very treatable in its early stages.

Affordable Dental Exam for Kids in San Antonio, TX

Good oral hygiene habits begin early and will set the stage for a healthy smile as your child matures into adulthood. Regular professional teeth cleanings are part of a healthy pattern that will save money in the long run. Why? Because our dentists will be able to catch potential dental issues before they become major problems. They can also validate your efforts to encourage healthy routines at home.