Extra Gentle Care for Their Gums and Teeth
Just like adults, children should have routine dental visits. Regular cleanings and exams are essential to maintaining their oral health and supporting healthy development. Cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can lead to decay, gum disease, bad breath, and affect how adult teeth emerge. A kid-friendly hygienist can reach spots that are hard for kids to clean at home.
After a thorough cleaning, the hygienist and dentist will examine your child’s oral health, monitor baby and adult teeth, and identify any problem areas. We’ll offer advice on what to watch for and provide personalized tips for home care.
- Keep baby and adult teeth strong and healthy.
- Prevent gum disease and promote overall oral health.
- Track progress through dental milestones.
- Build a positive relationship with the dentist.
- Empower children to care for their teeth at home.
- Establish lifelong healthy habits.
Routine pediatric cleanings and exams help:
What Happens During Children’s Teeth Cleaning?
Before the check-up, we review your child’s chart to identify any problem areas and assess their dental history. We may take X-rays, discuss fluoride treatment or sealants for new adult teeth, and talk to your child in a kid-friendly way to help them feel comfortable. We’ll also ask if they have any concerns or questions about their teeth or mouth.
Gum Health
Gums are often overlooked, but they play an important role in supporting your child’s teeth and framing their smile. Healthy gums are essential as permanent teeth come in, and children are just as prone to gum disease as adults. We take extra care to examine their gums and provide age-appropriate advice for at-home gum care and flossing.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque is a sticky film that starts forming on teeth as soon as they appear. If not removed, it hardens into tartar, which can lead to tooth decay. A hygienist uses special tools to gently scale away plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas, such as between teeth and along the gumline. After cleaning, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen their enamel.
Watching for Milestones
The dentist reviews your child’s chart and any new X-rays to monitor their progress and watch for any new developments. As children lose their baby teeth and grow adult teeth, the dentist will keep track of milestones, addressing any concerns or delays along the way, including the emergence of wisdom teeth in their teens.
Cost of a Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning and Exam in Waterdown
Just like adult dental checkups, routine cleanings and exams for kids are key to preventing future dental issues, and most insurance plans cover them almost completely on a regular basis. With typical insurance, you may pay anywhere from $0 to $50, depending on the plan. Insurance usually covers these visits every 6 months, though exceptions may apply. Without dental insurance, the cost can range from $120 to $300 or more, particularly for the first appointment or if it’s been a while since the last visit.
- The actual cost of treatment depends on several factors, including:
- Your child’s current oral health
- Any new X-rays required
- Fluoride treatment or sealants for new adult teeth
- The time needed by the dental team to meet your child’s specific needs
- The equipment and supplies required for the visit
Please note, no dentist can provide an exact quote over the phone. If you would like a personalized estimate or an itemized quote, we’re happy to provide one upon request. Routine pediatric dental care is crucial for preventing costly and painful complications, so monitoring your child’s oral health as they grow is essential.
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
Children should have their teeth cleaned every 6 months, unless otherwise advised by the dentist. Some may need to come every 3 months, but never wait more than a year.
Don’t wait. If you have concerns, schedule an appointment right away to address any issues early.
Signs include touching their face or teeth, avoiding hot or cold foods, swelling, redness, fever, and chewing on one side of the mouth.
Most cleanings last 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the child’s needs.
Brush twice a day with child-friendly toothpaste, use fluoride treatments, limit sugary foods, and model good oral hygiene habits.
Wait at least 30 minutes after fluoride treatment before eating or drinking to ensure it works effectively.
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