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Dental Cleanings for Kids

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Preparing Your Child for a Teeth Cleaning

We ask that you help make your child’s dental cleaning a positive experience by getting them excited and telling them what a good thing it is to take care of their teeth. You may also arrive early and allow your child to hang around the play area for a little bit to get them accustomed to the setting.
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If your child has any questions about what to expect at their teeth cleaning, answer them in an informative and positive tone. We can help keep your child informed during their appointment by demonstrating what is going to happen and assuring them that it will be a painless and easy process. 
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If your child has a favorite stuffed toy that brings them comfort, they can bring it along with them. It’s a good idea to read stories to your child about dental care and tooth health, especially to young children. This will make dental care less foreign to them. Avoid using negative words like “pain,” “needle,” and “drill.”

The Process

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During a dental cleaning, we will examine your child’s mouth to look for signs of decay and gum disease. If necessary, x-rays will be taken to get a closer look at what’s going on below the surface, but this only needs to be done every 2-3 years unless we don’t have any on file for your child. X-rays can reveal issues in the jaw, gums, and inside of the teeth.

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Next up, it’s time for their teeth cleaning. We will use a tool called a scaler to scrape away plaque and tartar buildup from the gum line. This is important because when plaque is left untreated, it hardens into tartar which cannot be removed through regular brushing and flossing, and can lead to gum disease.

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Then, we will clean and polish your teeth with an electric-powered toothbrush and gritty toothpaste that comes in fun flavors for your child to choose from. After this, we will floss all of their teeth and can finish off the cleaning with a fluoride varnish, if approved by the parent. Fluoride will protect your kid’s teeth from cavities and strengthen their enamel.

How We Make Them Comfortable

We believe in preparing your child mentally and emotionally for their dental visit so they feel at ease and excited about taking care of their teeth. We believe communication is key and our entire team is highly trained in how to deal with children and explain things to them in a child-friendly and positive manner. 
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Your child is free to discuss any concerns they have with us and we’d be happy to let them know why there’s nothing to worry about. Our office is fully equipped with amenities that make the dentist a much more pleasant experience, such as being able to watch TV during their treatment or playing with toys in our lobby while they wait to be seen. 
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If your child suffers from dental anxiety, a low pain tolerance, or has a sensitive gag reflex, we also offer to help them relax. You’re always free to join your child during their appointment and can even hold them in your lap if necessary.

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How Often Your Child Should Visit The Dentist

The ADA recommends having a dental cleaning and checkup every 6 months. This ensures that plaque and tartar are removed in time to prevent a buildup from leading to worsening decay or gum disease. 
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Checkups are also important for the early detection of gum disease and oral cancer because they are reversible in the early stages. Cleanings and checkups are cost-effective, minimally invasive, and relatively fast treatments that prevent serious complications in the future that can cost you a lot more money and be much more invasive.
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If your child is due for their bi-annual dental cleaning and checkup then we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us at Timber Kids Dentistry. Contact us today to request an appointment!

Don’t Brush Off Preventive Care!

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timber kids dentistry

Our Locations
Ashland
Bend
Grants Pass
Klamath Falls
Medford
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