Extra Gentle Care for Their Gums and Teeth
Children should visit the dentist as regularly as adults. Routine teeth cleaning and examinations are crucial steps in preserving their oral health and promoting healthy development. Cleaning their teeth removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can cause decay, gum disease, chronic bad breath, and even affect how their adult teeth come in. A kid-friendly hygienist ensures they reach areas that can be difficult for kids to clean with routine brushing and flossing at home.
After a thorough cleaning, it’s the perfect time for the hygienist and dentist to examine your child’s overall oral health, monitor baby teeth that may be coming in or falling out, and check adult teeth as they settle into their permanent position. We’ll provide guidance on what to watch for and offer personalized tips for oral care at home.
- Keep baby teeth and new adult teeth healthy and strong.
- Prevent gum disease and maintain overall oral health.
- Track progress and milestones through changes.
- Build a positive relationship with the dentist.
- Empower kids to take care of their oral health at home.
- Establish lifelong healthy habits.
Routine pediatric teeth cleanings and exams help:
What Happens During Children’s Teeth Cleaning?
Before your child’s check-up, we review their chart and history to quickly identify any problem areas or patterns. We may take prescribed X-rays and discuss options like fluoride treatment or sealants for new adult teeth. We speak to your child in a kid-friendly way to ensure they feel comfortable and encourage them to share any concerns or questions about their teeth and mouth.
Gum Health
Gums play an essential role in supporting your child’s teeth and framing their smile. Healthy gums are crucial as permanent teeth come in. Children can be just as susceptible to gum disease as adults. We carefully examine their gums and provide age-appropriate advice on flossing and gum care at home.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that accumulates on teeth as soon as they emerge. If not cleaned regularly, plaque can harden into tartar, leading to tooth decay. Plaque and tartar can be challenging to remove between teeth and along the gumline. Our hygienist uses specialized tools to gently remove these deposits from hard-to-reach areas, and we may recommend fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel.
Watching for Milestones
The dentist will review your child’s chart and X-rays to look for any concerns or developments to monitor. Children typically get their first teeth between 6 months and 6 years old, gradually losing baby teeth and getting permanent adult teeth well into their teens. The dentist will track their progress, address any concerns, and monitor for any delays or issues.
Cost of a Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning and Exam in Stouffville
Just like adult teeth cleanings and exams, routine checkups for kids are an excellent way to prevent dental problems, which is why most insurance companies cover them nearly fully on a regular basis. With typical insurance, you might pay anywhere from $0 to $50 (or more), and coverage is generally provided every 6 months, except in special circumstances. Without dental insurance, the cost can range from $120 to $300 or more, especially for a child’s first appointment or if it’s been a long time since their last visit.
- The current state of your child’s oral health
- Any new X-rays that may be needed
- Fluoride treatment or sealants for new adult teeth
- The amount of time required to meet your child’s specific needs
- The equipment and supplies necessary for the treatment
What Determines the Cost of Treatment? The actual cost depends on several factors:
Please keep in mind, no dentist can provide an exact quote over the phone. If you need a personalized or itemized quote, we’d be happy to provide one upon request. It’s essential to provide children with routine pediatric dental care, as monitoring the changes happening in their mouths helps prevent costly and painful complications in the future.
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 have their teeth cleaned and checked every 6 months unless otherwise recommended by the dentist. Some families may come as often as every 3 months, but we strongly recommend no longer than a year between appointments.
Don’t wait. If you have 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 often don’t express discomfort clearly. Signs your child might be experiencing dental pain or sensitivity include:
- Excessive touching or cupping of their face and teeth
- Defensiveness or fear of others getting near their face or teeth
- Swelling, redness, or discolouration in the gums, cheeks, or teeth
- Running a fever with a toothache
- Avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks
- Refusing chewy or hard foods like raw veggies or meat
- Chewing only on one side of their mouth
- Becoming irritable or withdrawn
Most appointments last between 30 minutes and an hour. Appointments may take longer if your child has many questions or feels anxious and needs extra reassurance and patience.
Start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they appear, using age-appropriate toothpaste and brushes. Teach them to brush twice a day and use fluoride treatments. Limit sugary or acidic foods and drinks, especially before bed. Be a good role model by brushing your own teeth and flossing regularly.
After a fluoride treatment, your child should wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This allows the fluoride time to absorb and work its magic before it’s washed away by food or drink.
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