Extra Gentle Care for Their Gums and Teeth
Just like adults, children should have routine dental visits. Regular cleanings and exams are key to maintaining oral health and encouraging proper development. Cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can cause decay, gum disease, bad breath, and affect the growth of adult teeth. A kid-friendly hygienist can reach areas that are tough for kids to clean at home.
After a thorough cleaning, the hygienist and dentist will examine your child’s overall oral health, check on baby teeth, and monitor the development of adult teeth. We’ll provide tips for home care tailored to your child’s needs.
- Keep baby and adult teeth strong and healthy.
- Prevent gum disease and support overall oral health.
- Monitor growth milestones.
- Build a positive relationship with the dentist.
- Empower kids to care for their oral health 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 dental chart and history to identify any problem areas or patterns. We may take prescribed X-rays or discuss fluoride treatments or sealants for new adult teeth. We’ll talk to your child in a friendly, kid-appropriate way to make them feel at ease, asking about how they feel about their teeth and any questions they may have.
Gum Health
Healthy gums support your child’s teeth and frame their smile. Just like adults, children are susceptible to gum disease, especially when their permanent teeth are coming in. We carefully examine the soft tissues in their mouth and offer age-appropriate advice on flossing and gum care at home.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque, a sticky film that forms on teeth, can harden into tartar if not removed. This can lead to tooth decay, especially between teeth and along the gumline. A hygienist uses specialized tools to gently remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach places. Afterward, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen their enamel.
Watching for Milestones
The dentist will review your child’s chart and X-rays, focusing on problem areas, developing patterns, and new developments. Children typically get their first teeth between 6 months and 6 years, and lose their baby teeth while their permanent teeth come in during their teens. Every child is unique, and the dentist will monitor their progress and address any concerns or delays.
Cost of a Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning and Exam in Belleville
Just like adult teeth cleanings and exams, routine checkups for children are an excellent way to prevent dental issues, and most insurance companies cover them nearly fully on a routine basis. With typical insurance, you might pay anywhere from $0 to $50 (or more). Most insurance providers offer coverage every 6 months, except in special circumstances. If you’re without dental insurance, you can expect to pay between $120 and $300 or more, particularly for your child’s first appointment or if it’s been a long time since their last visit.
- Your child’s current oral health
- Any new X-rays that might be needed
- Fluoride treatment or sealants for new adult teeth
- The time required by the dental team to address their specific needs
- The equipment and supplies necessary for their care
When determining the actual cost of treatment, we consider several factors:
Please note that no dentist can provide an exact quote over the phone. For personalized information or an itemized quote, we’d be happy to provide one upon request.
Routine pediatric dental care is crucial for your child’s development. Monitoring the changes in their mouth as they grow is the best way to prevent costly and painful complications down the road.
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, children should generally visit the dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup, unless otherwise recommended by the dentist. Some families may visit more frequently, such as every 3 months, but we strongly advise not waiting longer than a year between visits.
Don’t wait. If you have any concerns about your child’s teeth or oral health, it’s best to schedule an appointment right away so we can address any issues while they’re still minor.
Young children may not always express discomfort. Look for signs of dental pain or sensitivity, such as:
- Excessive touching or cupping of their face and teeth
- Being defensive or scared when others approach their face or teeth
- Swelling, redness, or discolouration in their gums, cheeks, or teeth
- A fever, especially if there’s a toothache
- Avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks
- Avoiding chewy or hard foods like raw vegetables or chunks of meat
- Only chewing on one side of their mouth
- Becoming irritable or glum
Most appointments last between 30 minutes to an hour. However, visits may take longer if children have many questions or require extra reassurance and patience.
How do I keep my kids’ teeth clean?
Start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they begin to appear, using age-appropriate toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Teach them how to take care of their teeth and encourage brushing twice a day. Fluoride treatments are helpful, so ask your dentist about them and use fluoride toothpaste and fluoridated water at home. Limit sugary or acidic foods and drinks, especially before bed, and set a good example by brushing and flossing regularly.
It’s best to wait at least 30 minutes after a fluoride treatment before eating or drinking. This allows the treatment to fully absorb and work before it’s removed by food or rinsed away with drink.
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