Regular dental cleanings for children help teach them good dental habits early on. Teaching young children good oral care early in life will help them keep their teeth healthy for the rest of their lives.

Good dental care starts at home, so while you visit with us we’ll provide education for you and your child about good dental hygiene. You can get your child’s dental care done at one of our four convenient locations across Middle Tennessee. Visit us in Goodlettsville, downtown Nashville, and our new office in Bordeaux.

What should my child expect for their dental cleaning?

When you and your child come in for their first dental cleaning at AC Dentistry, we’ll welcome you with a friendly smile. Relax for a moment in our comfortable office, and then we’ll bring you back to start your cleaning.

If your child is younger or is nervous at all, we welcome parents sitting with their child or holding them during their appointment. 

At AC Dentistry, we treat each child like our own. When you come in for a dental cleaning appointment, we first start by inspecting and cleaning your child's teeth.

Our Process in Dental Cleanings for Children

Inspection and Cleaning

Once your child is settled in, one of our expert dental hygenists will begin examining and cleaning their teeth. First, they will examine your child’s gums for any signs of gum disease. Then, your dental hygenist will work on removing any built-up plaque on your child’s teeth. 

Most often, this is done with a small mouth mirror and a small hook at first. Your child will feel some scraping and picking at their teeth, and maybe some minor discomfort.

Polishing, Flossing, and Flouride

Our next step in dental cleanings for children is polishing their teeth with a powerful toothbrush and flavored toothpaste. We’ll offer your child a choice of flavors and talk with them to help them feel comfortable the whole time. We will use a small suction device to remove any extra toothpaste, and again as the mouth is rinsed out with water.

The final steps of the cleaning are some expert flossing and fluoride treatment. Each treatment will take only a minute or two. Then we’ll give you a bag of goodies and you’ll be good to go!

Dentist’s Inspection

For the last part of your child's dental cleaning appointment, one of our dentists will inspect your child's teeth and look for any other oral health concerns.

After the cleaning, Dr. Judson Wood, DDS will take a minute and review your child’s dental and overall oral health. Your dentist will look for any signs of cavities, tooth decay, or any other dental problems.

If you have any questions for our dentists, feel free to ask! We’ll give you a few recommendations about good dental habits, and show you how if you wish. Remember that regular brushing and flossing will prevent most dental problems from developing.

When should the first dental visit of a child be?

This is one of the most common questions parents have about their child’s dental care. Keep in mind that the minute a child’s baby teeth grow in, they need to be cared for. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) has said that children should visit the dentist before their first birthday or within six months of getting their first tooth. 

The first dental cleanings for young children this age will not be as extensive as cleanings for older children. Mainly, our dental experts will examine your child’s teeth, make sure they’re developing properly, and provide education on caring for your child’s teeth.

What are the benefits of dental cleanings for children?

The biggest benefit of regular dental care for your child is teaching them life-long good dental habits. Starting these habits young will do wonders to help your child keep their teeth healthy throughout their life. 

Regular visits will help prevent progressive problems like gingivitis, tooth decay, and cavities. And the better your child takes care of their teeth, the more they can avoid getting fillings. Even later on, good dental habits can reduce the need for root canals and other dental surgeries.

If you teach your child good dental hygiene habits early in life, they will have better overall health for the rest of their lives.

What are the advantages of pediatric dentistry?

Pediatric dentists have more years of training before they start their practice. Their training helps them treat children, provide a comfortable environment, and interact with children that have special needs.

Starting your child’s dental care with a pediatric dentist has many benefits. One of which is, as pediatric specialists, we received two or three more years of training. This training helps us set a comfortable dental experience for children.

Another benefit is improving and maintaining your child’s oral hygiene habits. With each visit we will help your child understand how they can best take care of their dental health.

Book an appointment

If your child is ready for their next dental cleaning appointment, you can book your child’s appointment here on our website. We can’t wait to see you!

Additional Dental Services

In addition to dental cleanings for children, we offer several other services that include:

  • Sealants
  • Space maintainers
  • Crossbite correction
  • Amalgam fillings
  • Composite fillings
  • Stainless steel crowns
  • Pulpotomies