Extra Gentle Care for Their Gums and Teeth
Children should visit the dentist regularly, just like adults. Routine teeth cleanings and exams are two of the most important things you can do to maintain their oral health and encourage healthy development. Cleaning their teeth removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and may also impact the eruption of their adult teeth. A kid friendly hygienist can access areas that are often tricky for kids to reach with daily 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, problem areas, baby teeth coming in or falling out, and adult teeth that are settling into place. We will inform you of what to watch for and provide helpful tips for at home care tailored to your child’s specific needs.
- Keep baby teeth and new adult teeth healthy and strong.
- Prevent gum disease and maintain overall oral health.
- Monitor milestones through many changes in dental development.
- Establish a positive relationship with the dentist.
- Empower kids to take charge of their own oral health at home.
- Encourage habits that will last a lifetime.
Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleanings and Exams Help:
What Happens During Children’s Teeth Cleaning?
Before the check up, we’ll review your child’s chart and history to identify any potential problem areas. We may take X rays or discuss fluoride treatment or sealants for new adult teeth. We’ll speak to your child in a friendly, kid friendly manner to make them feel comfortable, and we’ll ask about how they feel about their teeth and mouth, offering a chance for them to ask any questions they might have.
Gum Health
Gums are often overlooked but play a key role in supporting your child’s teeth and framing their smile. Good gum health is especially important as permanent teeth begin to emerge. Children are just as susceptible to gum disease as adults, so we take extra care in examining their gums and offer age appropriate advice on flossing and gum care at home.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that builds up on teeth as soon as they come in. If plaque isn’t regularly cleaned away, it can turn into tartar, which is harder to remove and can lead to tooth decay. Plaque and tartar can be especially difficult to remove between teeth and along the gumline. A hygienist has the proper tools and knowledge to gently scale away stubborn plaque and tartar. Afterward, we may suggest a fluoride treatment to help strengthen their enamel.
Watching for Milestones
The dentist will review your child’s chart and any recent X rays to check for new developments or concerns. Children typically get their first teeth between the ages of 6 months and 6 years. As they lose baby teeth and get their permanent adult teeth, this process can continue until their teenage years (and even later for wisdom teeth). Every child is unique, and the dentist will track their progress and address any concerns or delays.
Cost of a Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning and Exam in Brampton
Just like with adults, routine cleanings and exams for kids are essential for preventing dental problems, and most insurance companies will cover them almost completely on a regular basis. With typical insurance, you may pay as little as $0 to $50 (or more). Coverage is generally provided every 6 months, unless otherwise specified. Without dental insurance, the cost typically ranges from $120 to $300, especially for a first visit or for the first visit after a long period of time.
- Their current oral health.
- Whether new X rays are required.
- Fluoride treatment or sealants for new adult teeth.
- The amount of time needed by the dental team to address their specific needs.
- The equipment and supplies necessary for the appointment.
When we determine the cost of their treatment, we consider several factors:
Please keep in mind, no dentist can provide an exact quote over the phone. If you would like a more personalized estimate or an itemized quote, we are happy to offer one upon request. It’s important to prioritize routine pediatric dental care, as monitoring your child’s oral health during their development is the most effective way to 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, we typically recommend having your child’s teeth cleaned and checked every 6 months unless otherwise directed by the dentist. Some children may benefit from more frequent visits, such as every 3 months. However, we recommend that no more than a year should pass between visits.
If you have concerns about your child’s teeth or oral health, don’t wait for the next check up. It’s always best to schedule an appointment right away so we can address any issues while they’re still minor.
Young children may not have a clear understanding of what constitutes normal discomfort. They might not speak up about it. You can look out for these signs:
- Excessively touching or cupping their face and teeth.
- Being defensive or fearful about others touching their face or teeth.
- Swelling, redness, or discoloration of the gums, cheeks, or teeth.
- Running a fever, which can sometimes indicate a toothache.
- Avoiding hot and cold foods or drinks.
- Not wanting to eat chewy or hard foods, like raw vegetables or chunks of meat.
- Only chewing on one side of their mouth.
- Becoming irritable or glum due to dental pain.
Most children’s appointments last between 30 minutes and an hour. The length of the appointment may vary if children have lots of questions or if they feel anxious and need more gentle reassurance.
- Start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they appear, using approved, child-friendly toothpaste and brushes. Teach your child about their mouth and how to care for it, encouraging them to brush twice a day.
- Fluoride treatments can be very beneficial for children. You can request fluoride treatment during visits and use fluoride products at home, including fluoridated drinking water.
- Limit sugary or acidic foods and drinks like juice and soda, which promote tooth decay. These should be consumed in moderation, especially before bed.
- Set a good example by brushing your own teeth twice a day and flossing regularly.
After a fluoride treatment, your child should wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This ensures that the fluoride has enough time to work before being washed away by food or drink.
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