Pediatric Teeth CleaningIn Manhattan Beach
What is Pediatric Teeth Cleaning?
Pediatric teeth cleaning is a preventive dental treatment designed to gently remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from your child’s teeth. At Toothlings Pediatric Dentistry in Manhattan Beach, Dr. Melissa Grant makes dental cleanings a fun and comfortable experience—helping your child maintain a healthy smile and build lifelong oral hygiene habits. Regular cleanings are a key part of keeping cavities and gum issues at bay while reinforcing the importance of good home care.
The Benefits of Pediatric Teeth Cleaning
Removes Plaque and Tartar
Even with good brushing and flossing, plaque can build up in hard-to-reach spots. Professional cleanings gently remove plaque and hardened tartar to prevent cavities, swollen gums, and bad breath.
Supports Healthy Gum Development
Cleanings help prevent early signs of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can occur even in children. Healthy gums are essential for comfortable chewing, strong teeth, and long-term oral health. In fact, research has shown that poor gum health is linked to many chronic diseases later in adulthood. A healthy mouth means a healthy body!
Builds Confidence and Positive Habits
By creating a positive cleaning experience, we help your child feel proud of their healthy smile and motivated to care for it at home. Each visit reinforces brushing and flossing skills in a fun, supportive way. We love to give parents tips and tricks, and provide helpful tools for kids who are already brushing on their own (including brushing charts, timers, and product recommendations).
Removes Plaque and Tartar
Even with good brushing and flossing, plaque can build up in hard-to-reach spots. Professional cleanings gently remove plaque and hardened tartar to prevent cavities, swollen gums, and bad breath.
Supports Healthy Gum Development
Cleanings help prevent early signs of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can occur even in children. Healthy gums are essential for comfortable chewing, strong teeth, and long-term oral health. In fact, research has shown that poor gum health is linked to many chronic diseases later in adulthood. A healthy mouth means a healthy body!
Builds Confidence and Positive Habits
By creating a positive cleaning experience, we help your child feel proud of their healthy smile and motivated to care for it at home. Each visit reinforces brushing and flossing skills in a fun, supportive way. We love to give parents tips and tricks, and provide helpful tools for kids who are already brushing on their own (including brushing charts, timers, and product recommendations).
What to Expect During a Pediatric Cleaning
Our dental team uses kid-friendly tools to remove plaque and tartar, followed by polishing the teeth to remove surface stains and leave your child’s smile sparkling clean.
In many cases, we’ll apply a safe, flavored remineralization treatment to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of future cavities. Be sure to ask about our fluoride and fluoride-free options based on your family’s personal needs.
Comprehensive Exam
Dr. Grant will conduct a thorough examination of your child’s teeth to identify areas of decay and determine if SDF is the appropriate treatment. Not every cavity can be effectively treated this way, however this assessment ensures that we choose the best approach for your child’s specific needs.
Prepare the Tooth
The decayed teeth are gently cleaned and dried to prepare them for the SDF application. This step ensures that the solution adheres properly and can effectively address the decay.
Application of SDF
Using a small brush, Dr. Grant will carefully apply the SDF solution to the affected areas. The process is quick and painless, allowing your child to remain comfortable throughout the treatment. Depending on your child’s needs, additional applications may be required at future appointments to ensure the lasting success of the treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Baby teeth play a vital role in speech, nutrition, and guiding adult teeth into place. Keeping them clean and healthy prevents early tooth loss and supports proper development.
Not at Toothlings! We use gentle techniques, fun distractions, and friendly explanations to help kids feel at ease. Most children enjoy their visit and leave smiling.
Most children benefit from cleanings at-minimum every six months, starting around their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts. Dr. Grant may recommend more frequent visits for children prone to cavities, heavy staining or buildup, and other specific needs.