Our oral health is crucial to our general well-being. The mouth is the entry point to the respiratory and digestive systems. Poor oral hygiene increases the risk of infections and bacteria entering our bloodstream. Some chronic diseases are often linked to poor oral health. Studies show that people with gum disease have a higher chance of suffering a heart attack.
That’s more than enough reason to care for our teeth. You should also instill good oral health habits in your child. Watch out for hardened plaque on your children’s teeth.
What is a Hardened Plaque?
Plaque is the film of bacteria found on the teeth. This can mineralize or harden over time. Hardened plaque is also called dental calculus or tartar.
Many factors cause tartar or hardened plaque to form. The most common causes are poor oral hygiene and a diet high in sugary foods. Infrequent dental visits can also be a culprit as brushing can’t remove tartar. You’ll need a professional dental cleaning.
As a parent, you should ensure your child doesn’t develop tartar. It could lead to tooth decay, gingivitis or gum inflammation, and bad breath. You and your child’s only recourse is prevention and early treatment.
How Do You Remove Hardened Plaque in Kids?
The best method of dealing with hardened plaque is not to have it. It’s hard when you’re dealing with baby teeth and young minds. Here’s what you should do if your kid already has tartar.
- Get Them a Professional Dental Cleaning
Children as young as two can get professional dental cleaning. It’s only a gentle cleaning, as these visits are more about giving the child a positive experience. Preschool-aged children can and should get professional cleaning.
Your dentist or hygienist will use a specialized plaque remover to remove tartar. They will even do fluoride treatments to make your child’s teeth stronger. This is also a good way to prevent cavities. Dental cleanings should happen more often as your child gets older. It’s best practice to get regular cleanings every six months. This is especially true when they start getting permanent teeth.
- Ask About Dental Sealants
Dental sealants can protect your child’s teeth against plaque buildup. These protective coatings are often applied to the molars to prevent tartar. You should ask your dentist whether dental sealants are a good option.
- Practice a Good and Thorough Oral Hygiene Routine
You should get your child used to having a good oral hygiene routine. Double down and reinforce it after removing the plaque. Supervise your young child as they brush and floss their teeth. Do this until it’s ingrained and they’re doing it well.
You should also ensure your child is using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Remind them to brush twice a day and use a fluoride toothpaste. Check that they’re using proper brushing techniques. For example, they should also brush and clean their gum line. It’s where plaque tends to develop.
- Try Tablets That Detect Plaque
Advances in medicine have gone a long way in helping people manage plaque. One of the best ways to do this is through plaque-detecting tables.
These are chewable tablets that stain areas with plaque. Your child will see the spots they’ve missed brushing. They can then focus on these areas. It also teaches them to be more thorough when brushing and flossing.
These are also called disclosing tablets. They’re safe to use and available in most supermarkets and local pharmacies.
- Limit Your Child’s Sugar Intake
Watch how much sweet and starchy food your child eats. These foods contribute to plaque buildup. Get your child used to snacks like apples, carrots, and cheese. They’re good for the teeth and healthy.
- Consider Using Mouthwash
A mouthwash is also a good addition to your child’s oral hygiene routine. Check with your dentist first though. They will tell you at what age your child can use one. Your dentist will even recommend the best mouthwash to use.
Giving You the Healthiest and Brightest Smile
Dentistry of Orlando is always dedicated to providing top-quality dental care for everyone. It’s why we are one of Orlando’s best dental clinics. We use the latest technology and dental procedures to make that happen. We offer general dental procedures. You can schedule a routine cleaning or tooth extraction anytime. We also specialize in cosmetic dentistry. Call us today at (407) 249-9292 or (407) 851-5555. You can also reach us here.
