We do our best to clean your child’s teeth quickly and thoroughly because we know they have a limited attention span. If their home care is good, a dental hygiene appointment should take no longer than thirty minutes.
If necessary, we may take to time to help both parents and children learn the proper techniques to take care of their child’s teeth so that we can avoid things like decay and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is common in children when their home care is not sufficient or inconsistent. Some medications may also increase the risk of periodontal disease in kids. If your child’s gums bleed when you brush them, it’s time to give us a call.
If we find decay at your child’s dental appointment, we will most likely need to schedule them for treatment on another date. Delaying treatment or too long puts their teeth at risk because decay never resolves on its own. It often gets worse and can cause bad breath and pain for your child.
Simply avoiding sugary snacks is not enough. Your child needs to brush and floss their teeth twice daily and have regular exams to stay healthy. Children will need your assistance with brushing and flossing until they acquire the dexterity to do a good job on their own, usually not until after their eighth birthday.