Dental cleanings are covered by most insurance plans. We take all major PPO dental plans, and we’re in network for many plans, but you’ll want to verify with us that dental cleanings are covered before you start.
Teeth Cleaning for kids in Herndon, VA
Routine Dental Cleanings For Healthy Smiles
A Cleaning Every Six Months Keeps the Plaque Away
Starting from your child’s first tooth, dental cleanings help those teeth stay healthy and functional.
We know there are lots of stresses to raising a child, but keeping up with your child’s teeth cleaning at Hero Pediatric Dentistry in Herndon ensures you’re less likely to have more costly and time-intensive dental treatments down the road.
Dental Cleanings Overview
You use your teeth every day to talk, chew, and eat; and even though our teeth are incredibly strong, it’s no wonder they need routine care. Plaque, or bacteria that builds up from leftover food particles, can cause tooth decay which interferes with your child’s ability to do their daily activities.
A routine dental cleaning, however, clears out plaque and tartar on your child’s teeth to keep them healthy and clean. While proper brushing and flossing is essential to maintaining good dental health, some plaque and tartar can only be removed by a skilled professional, which is where we come in.
What We Do
A routine dental cleaning helps prevent:
Plaque and tartar buildup
Gum disease
Cavities
Teeth discoloration
Why Kids Need Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings for kids are incredibly important for several reasons, all of which contribute to keeping those sweet smiles healthy and bright for life:
Preventing Tooth Decay: Dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth, which are major contributors to tooth decay. By keeping the teeth clean, dental cleanings help prevent cavities and reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Supporting Gum Health: Plaque and tartar accumulation not only affect the teeth but also the gums. If left untreated, these deposits can lead to gum inflammation and gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. Regular cleanings help keep the gums healthy and reduce the risk of gum disease.
Promoting Fresh Breath: Plaque buildup on the teeth can harbor bacteria that produce foul-smelling odors, leading to bad breath. Dental cleanings remove these bacteria and leave the mouth feeling fresh and clean.
Monitoring Oral Health: During dental cleanings, our pediatric dentist in Herndon or dental hygienist also performs a thorough examination of your child’s mouth. This allows them to identify any signs of dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, or oral abnormalities early on, when they are easier to treat.
Teaching Proper Oral Hygiene: Dental cleanings provide an opportunity for oral health education. The dental hygienist can demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques to your child and provide tips on maintaining good oral hygiene at home.
What to Expect
Our pediatric dental cleaning at Hero Pediatric Dentistry in Herndon is a simple and painless procedure that plays a crucial role in promoting good oral health and preventing dental problems in the future. The treatment usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, and it can include the following steps:
Examination: A pediatric dentist or dental hygienist will thoroughly examine your child’s mouth before the cleaning begins. This involves checking for any signs of dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, or abnormalities.
Plaque and Tartar Removal: Using specialized dental instruments, the hygienist will carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup from your child’s teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and can lead to cavities and gum disease if not removed regularly. Tartar, also known as calculus, is hardened plaque that cannot be removed by brushing alone.
Scaling: This involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, including those hard-to-reach areas between the teeth and along the gumline. The hygienist will use either manual scaling instruments or an ultrasonic scaler to gently remove these deposits without causing damage to the teeth or gums.
Polishing: After scaling, the hygienist will polish your child’s teeth using a special dental paste and a rotating polishing tool. This helps to remove surface stains and smooth out the tooth surfaces, leaving them clean and shiny.
Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel and protect the teeth against acid attacks from plaque bacteria. It is usually applied as a gel, foam, or varnish and left on the teeth for a few minutes.
Oral Hygiene Instructions: Before your child leaves our Herndon pediatric dental office, the hygienist will provide oral hygiene instructions tailored to their specific needs. This may include tips on proper brushing and flossing techniques, fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash recommendations, and advice on maintaining a healthy diet to prevent cavities.
Follow-Up Recommendations: Depending on your child’s oral health, the dentist may recommend scheduling regular dental cleanings every six months or more frequently if necessary. They may also suggest additional preventive measures, such as dental sealants or fluoride supplements, to help protect your child’s teeth against cavities.
Why We’re the Go-To Dentists for Teeth Cleaning in Herndon
A Fun, Kid-Friendly Office
We want every visit every six months to be fun for your child. We have a play room and a prize system to help your child to look forward to the dentist!
Compassionate Care
With every step of their cleaning, we take the time to check in with patients so they feel reassured throughout the process.
Expert Team
Our team is trained in dentistry for children, and we prioritize safety and comfort during their procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Cleanings
Even though your child will lose their baby teeth, they still have them for many years before they fall out. Over those years, tooth decay can create painful cavities and even infections that can spread to other teeth and the permanent teeth underneath the gums. If baby teeth fall out prematurely from tooth decay, it can negatively impact the development of adult teeth, so regular dental cleanings for baby teeth are essential.
It takes several years before a child is independent enough to brush their own teeth. Improper brushing, even with regular dental cleanings, contributes to higher plaque buildup and increases their risk for tooth decay, which is why it’s important for you to help. When they start brushing on their own, typically between the ages 6 to 8, take the time to supervise for a while to make sure they have good brushing habits.
- Talk to your child about what to expect during the cleaning process in a positive and reassuring manner.
- Encourage your child to practice good oral hygiene at home by brushing and flossing regularly.
- Choose a pediatric dentist in Herndon like us who specializes in working with children and understands their unique needs.
- Bring along any comfort items, such as a favorite toy or blanket, to help your child feel more relaxed during the appointment.
- Consider scheduling the cleaning at a time when your child is well-rested and less likely to be tired or irritable.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your child feels calm and confident during their dental cleaning and maintains good oral health for years to come.
Pediatric dental cleanings are typically painless and well-tolerated. Our dental hygienist uses gentle techniques and specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from your child’s teeth without causing discomfort. However, some children may experience mild sensitivity or tickling sensations during certain parts of the cleaning process. If your child is anxious or has sensory sensitivities, be sure to communicate this with our team so we can make accommodations to help your child feel more comfortable during the cleaning.
Don’t Wait to Start Regular Cleanings
With the best provider of pediatric teeth cleaning for kids in Herndon, your child can get the quality care they need for their teeth.