Dental Cleaning For Kids In Irvine


Tarek Abousheta

Dr. Tarek Abousheta
Orthodontist in Irvine, CA

It doesn’t have to be a hassle for parents, or for that matter a nightmarish experience for kids, to bring a child in for a dental cleaning. As soon as a family walks in our door, we do our utmost to make each visit a welcome, stress-free experience. Before we even get started, our staff members take a few minutes to put a name to a face, literally calling the kid by name and giving them a tour of the office. We also let them fire off a few questions, and trust me, when kids feel heard and valued, the whole consultation is just a whole lot easier and less stressful for everyone involved. At the end of the day, we’ve found that a relaxed kid is a happy patient, and happy patients keep coming back for that regular dental care that their teeth so desperately need. Orthodontics focuses on improving the alignment of teeth and jaws through customized treatments such as braces, clear aligners, and retainers. Proper orthodontic care can help improve bite function, oral health, comfort, and overall confidence by creating a straighter, healthier smile designed to last for years to come.

By and large, parents have no idea just how important routine cleanings are for kids. Baby teeth, those tiny little chompers that come in first, do more than just help kids chomp on their food. They actually make room for adult teeth to come in later on, and even influence how we talk as we get older. But when plaque starts to build up on those teeth, it can start to cause a world of trouble, from cavities to gum pain and even to the point where kids are too afraid to go to school. We see to it that we catch any minor issues before they become major ones by scheduling cleanings every six months. We also take the chance to check if the bite is developing properly and whether the new teeth are coming in as they should. Children’s Dentistry provides gentle, compassionate dental care tailored specifically for kids of all ages. From routine checkups and cleanings to preventive treatments and early oral health education, we help create positive dental experiences while supporting healthy smile development in a welcoming and kid-friendly environment.

When a kid comes to see us, we get started by giving their mouth a gentle once over to see things are still progressing the way they ought to be. Next, we whiz out the teeth with a flavored paste that (bizarrely) most kids actually enjoy picking out, then we use some super-soft floss to get rid of any plaque and hardened gunk that’s built up. We’ll also give older kids a blast of fluoride to give their enamel an extra layer of protection against future decay. And the great news is, because we know that every kid is different, we’re happy to tailor our dental cleaning to whatever the individual needs. So whether it’s a three-year-old or a ten-year-old, we’re always happy to adjust things to suit. And don’t worry, we’re not going to push them too hard. We know that every kid’s different, so we take things at their pace and never, ever rush them.

So what can parents do at home to keep their child’s mouth healthy? The truth is, the basics really do work. Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (or a wee smear for the little ones) makes all the difference. And even though flossing can be a bit of a pain (no pun intended!), it really does help get the job done, and we’re happy to show ’em how to do it just right before they head on home.

We also keep a close eye out for any bad habits that could end up doing some serious damage to a kid’s teeth. We talk about mouth breathing, thumb sucking, tongue pushing and nighttime grinding, all the usual suspects. And the great thing is, if we spot any of these patterns early on, we can offer parents some super-useful advice and maybe even point them in the direction of an orthodontic expert, if that’s what’s needed. At the end of the day, we firmly believe that prevention is always way, way better than trying to fix things later on. And with a few minor adjustments now, we can save kids from all sorts of really nasty procedures down the line.

The team at our Irvine office firmly believes that every kid should leave the chair feeling proud of their teeth. And to that end, at the end of every single visit, we give out stickers, little prizes, and plenty of high-fives to celebrate their good oral hygiene. Because let’s be honest, feeling good about taking care of our teeth is half the battle.

At Irvine Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we know that when you bring your child in to see us, you’re getting a partner in their long-term dental health. So why not give us a call? We’d be stoked to meet your family and get started on building some healthy habits that’ll last a lifetime.