Extra Gentle Care for Their Gums and Teeth
Children need regular dentist visits just like adults! Routine teeth cleanings and check-ups are crucial for keeping their smiles healthy and supporting their growth. When we clean their teeth, we remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can cause cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Plus, a friendly hygienist knows how to reach those tricky spots that kids often miss when brushing and flossing at home.
After a good cleaning, it’s the perfect time for the hygienist and dentist to take a close look at your child’s oral health. We’ll check for any issues, see how baby teeth are coming in or falling out, and check on adult teeth settling in. We’ll also share tips and tricks for at-home care, so you know exactly what to watch for based on your child’s unique needs!
Routine pediatric teeth cleanings and exams play a vital role in your child’s dental health. Here’s how they help:
- Maintain Healthy Teeth: They keep baby teeth and new adult teeth strong and healthy.
- Prevent Gum Disease: Regular visits help prevent gum disease and support overall oral health.
- Monitor Development: These check-ups allow us to track your child’s progress through various milestones.
- Build Trust: Early dental visits help establish a positive relationship with the dentist.
- Encourage Independence: Kids learn to take charge of their own oral health at home.
- Promote Lifelong Habits: Routine care establishes good habits that can last a lifetime.
What Happens During Children’s Teeth Cleaning?
Before your child’s check-up, we’ll review their chart and history to pinpoint any problem areas or identify patterns that may need attention. We might take prescribed X-rays or discuss fluoride treatments and sealants for their new adult teeth. Our team will communicate with your child in a friendly, kid-friendly way to ensure they feel comfortable. We’ll also encourage them to share how they feel about their teeth and if they have any questions.
Gum Health
Gum health is often overlooked, but it’s crucial for supporting your child’s teeth and framing their smile. Healthy gums are especially important as permanent teeth come in since children can be just as vulnerable to gum diseases as adults. We’ll carefully examine the soft tissues in their mouth and provide age-appropriate advice for flossing and gum care at home.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that begins to build up on teeth as soon as they come in. If not cleaned away regularly, plaque can harden into tartar, which is tougher to remove and can lead to tooth decay. Tartar often accumulates in hard-to-reach areas, like between teeth and at the gumline. Our hygienist uses specialized tools and techniques to gently scale away stubborn plaque and tartar, ensuring your child’s teeth are thoroughly cleaned. After that, we might recommend a fluoride treatment to help strengthen their enamel.
Watching for Milestones
During the visit, the dentist will review your child’s chart and any new X-rays to identify problem areas and monitor their dental development. Kids typically get their first set of teeth between 6 months and 6 years, followed by the gradual loss of baby teeth as their permanent adult teeth come in—sometimes into their teens, with wisdom teeth arriving even later! Since every child develops differently, the dentist will keep an eye on their progress and address any concerns or delays that may arise.
Cost of a Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning and Exam
Routine check-ups for kids are not just essential—they’re a fantastic way to keep dental issues at bay! Most insurance companies nearly cover these visits entirely, meaning you might pay as little as $0 to $50 with typical plans. Generally, insurance covers these check-ups every six months, unless special circumstances apply. If your child doesn’t have dental insurance, you can expect to pay between $120 and $300 or more, especially for their first appointment or if it’s been a while since their last visit.
- Your child’s current oral health
- Any new X-rays that might be needed
- Fluoride treatments or sealants for new adult teeth
- The time our skilled dental team requires to cater to their specific needs
- The equipment and supplies essential for their care
So, what influences the cost of treatment? We look at several key factors:
Remember, while we can’t give you an exact quote over the phone, we’re more than happy to provide personalized information or an itemized quote upon request. Regular pediatric dental care is crucial—it helps us monitor your child’s dental development and prevents those costly and painful issues down the line. Investing in your child’s smile today means a healthier, happier tomorrow!
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Just like adults, we typically recommend that children come in every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up, unless the dentist advises otherwise. Some families opt for visits every three months, but we strongly suggest not waiting longer than a year.
Don’t wait! If you have any concerns about your child’s teeth or oral health, it’s best to come in right away. Addressing any issues while they’re still minor can make a big difference in their dental health.
It can be challenging to know if young children are experiencing dental pain. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Touching Their Face: Excessive touching or cupping of their face and teeth.
- Defensive Behaviour: Fear or defensiveness when others approach their mouth.
- Swelling or Discolouration: Look for redness or swelling in the gums, cheeks, or teeth.
- Fever: A toothache may cause some children to run a fever.
- Avoiding Certain Foods: Hesitation to eat hot, cold, chewy, or hard foods.
- Chewing on One Side: Consistently chewing on only one side of their mouth.
- Mood Changes: Increased irritability or gloominess.
- If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to schedule a dental check-up for your child.
Most children’s teeth cleaning appointments typically last between thirty minutes to an hour. However, if your child has lots of questions or if they are feeling anxious, the appointment may take a bit longer as we provide the reassurance and gentle patience they need. We prioritize making sure every child feels comfortable and at ease during their visit!
Start early by cleaning your child’s teeth with child-friendly toothpaste. Teach them about oral care and encourage brushing twice a day. Request fluoride treatments at the dentist and use fluoridated products at home. Limit sugary foods and avoid sweet treats before bed. Finally, lead by example by brushing and flossing regularly! Following these steps will help your kids maintain healthy smiles!
Your child should wait at least 30 minutes after a fluoride treatment before eating or drinking. This waiting period allows the treatment to take effect and work its magic before it can be washed away by food or drinks.
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