As a parent, you spend quite a bit of time helping your children form good habits; from eating nourishing foods to getting plenty of playtime, exercise, and a good night’s sleep. These are all great ways to create a healthy lifestyle, but there’s something you may have missed—dental care. Oral health directly impacts a person’s overall health, and kids should visit a pediatric dentist for teeth cleaning and exams. The team at Discovery Dental, a practice in Anchorage, AK, that specializes in oral care for kids, is here to explain the importance of regular dental visits. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, kids should have a teeth cleaning and exam twice a year, starting as young as six months or as soon as the first tooth appears. At each appointment, a dentist will check for cavities, monitor the development of the jaw and check for changes in overall dental health. 

During the actual teeth cleaning, a hygienist uses tools to scrape away excess plaque and debris that may build up over time and lead to children forming cavities. They will also show your child how to floss, and examine the gums for excess bleeding, swelling, or signs of periodontal disease. Once the cleaning and polishing are complete, a dentist will perform an additional exam. If your child’s dental care habits aren’t up to par, the dentist may suggest additional ways to strengthen those baby teeth, including fluoride treatments and dental sealants. Children’s teeth aren’t as strong as adult’s and can be quite vulnerable, so it’s important to schedule frequent checkups to maintain optimal oral health. 

To schedule a teeth cleaning for your child, call Discovery Dental in Anchorage at (907) 622-5437, visit their website for a complete list of services, or check out the office’s Facebook page for updates and reviews from satisfied patients.