Extra Gentle Care for Their Gums and Teeth
Children need regular dental visits just as much as adults do. Routine teeth cleanings and exams play a vital role in keeping their smiles healthy, preventing cavities, and supporting proper dental development. Professional cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and even persistent bad breath—all of which can impact how their adult teeth grow in.
A child-friendly hygienist can clean those hard-to-reach spots that brushing and flossing at home may miss. After a thorough cleaning, the hygienist and dentist will closely examine your child’s teeth and gums, checking for potential concerns, monitoring baby teeth that are erupting or shedding, and ensuring adult teeth are developing properly. We’ll also provide personalized tips to help you care for their teeth at home.
- Keep baby and adult teeth strong and healthy
- Prevent gum disease and support overall oral health
- Track dental development and milestone changes
- Build a positive relationship with the dentist
- Encourage kids to take responsibility for their oral hygiene
- Instill good habits that last a lifetime
The Benefits of Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleanings and Exams:
What Happens During a Children’s Teeth Cleaning?
Before the check-up begins, we review your child’s dental history to identify any areas of concern or patterns that may need attention. If necessary, we may take X-rays or discuss additional preventive treatments, such as fluoride applications or sealants for newly erupted adult teeth. Throughout the visit, we use kid-friendly language to ensure your child feels comfortable, encouraging them to share any questions or concerns they might have about their teeth and mouth.
Gum Health
While often overlooked, healthy gums are just as important as healthy teeth. The gums provide essential support for developing teeth, especially as adult teeth start coming in. Children can be just as vulnerable to gum inflammation as adults, which is why we carefully examine their gums and soft tissues. We also provide age-appropriate advice on flossing and gum care to help keep their smiles healthy.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that begins forming on teeth as soon as they emerge. If not removed regularly, it can harden into tartar, which increases the risk of cavities and gum disease. Tartar can be especially difficult to remove from tight spaces between teeth and along the gumline. A hygienist uses specialized tools to gently and thoroughly remove plaque and tartar, helping to protect your child’s teeth from decay. Once their teeth are clean, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen their enamel and provide extra protection.
Monitoring Dental Milestones
The dentist will review your child’s chart, assess any new X-rays, and check for any concerns, patterns, or new developments. Children’s dental growth follows a unique timeline, typically beginning with their first baby teeth around 6 months of age and continuing with the gradual transition to adult teeth into their teenage years. Every child’s development is different, and we closely monitor their progress, addressing any delays or concerns along the way.
Cost of a Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning and Exam in Port Dover
Just like adult dental checkups, routine cleanings and exams for children are a proactive way to prevent oral health problems—and because of their importance, most insurance companies cover them almost entirely. With typical dental insurance, you might pay as little as $0 to $50 per visit, depending on your coverage. Most insurance plans provide coverage for pediatric cleanings every six months, though some exceptions may apply.
If your child does not have dental insurance, the cost of a routine cleaning and exam can range from $120 to $300 or more, particularly for their first appointment or if it has been a long time since their last visit.
- Their current oral health and any necessary treatments
- Whether new X-rays are required
- Additional preventive treatments, such as fluoride or sealants
- The time required to properly assess and clean their teeth
- The equipment and materials needed to meet their specific needs
Several factors determine the exact cost of your child’s cleaning and exam, including:
It’s important to note that no dentist can provide an exact quote over the phone since costs depend on your child’s individual needs. However, we are happy to provide a personalized estimate or an itemized quote upon request.
Routine pediatric dental care is one of the most effective ways to prevent costly and painful oral health issues in the future. Regular checkups allow us to monitor your child’s dental development and catch potential concerns before they become serious problems.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Just like adults, children should have their teeth cleaned and examined every six months unless their dentist recommends otherwise. Some children, especially those at higher risk for cavities or gum issues, may benefit from visits as often as every three months. However, we strongly recommend not waiting longer than a year between visits to ensure their oral health stays on track.
Don’t wait. If you notice anything concerning about your child’s teeth or oral health, it’s best to schedule an appointment right away. Early intervention allows us to address potential issues while they’re still minor, preventing more serious problems down the road.
Young children may not always communicate when something feels wrong. Since they have no frame of reference for what’s normal discomfort, they might try to cope on their own. Signs that your child may be experiencing dental pain or sensitivity include:
- Frequently touching or cupping their face and mouth
- Being defensive or hesitant when someone approaches their face or teeth
- Swelling, redness, or discoloration in the gums, cheeks, or teeth
- Running a fever (sometimes a sign of a tooth infection)
- Avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks
- Refusing chewy or hard foods like raw vegetables or meat
- Chewing only on one side of their mouth
- Becoming irritable, withdrawn, or moody
If you suspect your child is in pain, schedule a dental visit as soon as possible to determine the cause and provide relief.
Most children’s dental cleanings take between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on their comfort level and oral health needs. Some appointments may take longer, especially if a child has lots of questions or requires extra reassurance to ease anxiety.
- Start early. Clean your child’s teeth as soon as they appear using an age-appropriate toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Teach good habits. Encourage your child to brush twice a day and floss regularly.
- Use fluoride. Fluoride treatments at the dentist, along with fluoride toothpaste and fluoridated water, help strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
- Limit sugar and acidity. Foods and drinks like juice, soda, and candy can lead to cavities. Enjoy them in moderation, and avoid sugary snacks before bedtime.
- Be a role model. Show your child how important oral hygiene is by brushing and flossing your own teeth daily.
Your child should wait at least 30 minutes after a fluoride treatment before eating or drinking. This allows the fluoride to fully absorb and strengthen their enamel before it is washed away.
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