How to banish plaque for your child’s most beautiful and healthy smile

To “ace” dental check-ups, your child must be able to get rid of plaque effectively. At Mona Dental for Kids, our team in Spring, Texas, first starts this healthy process by empowering parents and caregivers with the info and tips they need to clean the littlest mouths and developing teeth. Then, as children acquire greater motor skills and as more teeth continue to erupt through the gums, Dr. Mona Houshiar shows them how to brush, floss, and otherwise keep their teeth plaque-free. 

Dr. Houshiar, along with her kind and talented team, knows how to speak to and educate kids on these essential behaviors and habits in a way that is non-scary, not intimidating, and appropriate for the age and developmental stage of the child. 

So, what is plaque? And why is it so “bad”?

Plaque is continually forming and growing on the teeth. Harmful bacteria can quickly attach to this film that forms on the tooth’s surface – the protective enamel covering. Without proper interventions, both at home and at our office (with professional care), the bacteria continues to spread and flourish on other, new surfaces of the mouth. This potentially destructive process results in a dramatic leap in the number of “bad” oral bacteria. 

Now, consistently good brushing and flossing can go far to help manage the growth of bacteria and the development of dental plaque; however, even the best “brushers/flossers” among us cannot remove all of the sticky bacterial plaque that is continuously forming on the teeth. Our dental hygienists have the unique capabilities to remove hardened plaque. 

A toothbrush and floss alone cannot lift this tartar once the plaque has hardened. Tartar is associated with the release of toxins that break down the gums that protect and hold the teeth in place. It is also associated with progressive dental decay, gradually breaking down the tooth’s structure from the outside inward. 

During regular exams and cleanings, we can advise on good “techniques” for brushing and flossing and the best products for your child – which can further help motivate them to take great care of their smiles. As needed, we can advise on professional preventative services like Fluoride and dental sealants, which help keep the teeth strong and protect them from damage. 

Call (832) 662-3008 with questions for the Mona Dental for Kids team and schedule an appointment at our Spring, TX office today. 

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