Preventive dentistry is caring for your child’s teeth to keep them healthy. American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) recommends your child receive a preventive dental checkup every six months– for full cleanings, examinations, and consultations for potential treatment. Professional dental cleanings help remove built-up plaque that is not removable using conventional brushing and flossing. Often, pediatric dentists are also capable of identifying potential problems that patients are not yet able to see or feel. When you maintain regular preventative dental appointments, you can stave off decay and gum disease and identify the beginnings of oral health problems before they become severe.