Extra Gentle Care for Their Gums and Teeth
Children should visit the dentist just as routinely as adults. Regular teeth cleanings and exams are vital for preserving their oral health and promoting healthy development. Cleaning helps remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can lead to decay, gum disease, and bad breath, while also ensuring their adult teeth come in properly. A kid-friendly hygienist can access those tricky spots that are hard for kids to reach with daily brushing and flossing.
After the cleaning, the hygienist and dentist will thoroughly assess your child’s overall oral health, checking on baby teeth that may be coming in or falling out and monitoring the growth of adult teeth. We’ll provide you with tips tailored to your child’s needs to help with oral care at home.
Routine pediatric cleanings and exams help to:
- Keep baby and adult teeth as healthy and strong as possible.
- Prevent gum disease and maintain overall oral health.
- Monitor their growth and development through important milestones.
- Establish a positive, comfortable relationship with the dentist.
- Empower kids to take control of their oral health.
- Build lasting habits for a lifetime of good oral care.
What Happens During Children’s Teeth Cleaning?
Before the check-up, we’ll review your child’s chart and history to identify any problem areas or patterns. We may take X-rays if needed and discuss options like fluoride treatments or sealants for new adult teeth. To help your child feel at ease, we’ll speak in a kid-friendly way and encourage them to share any concerns or questions they have about their teeth.
Gum Health
Gum health is essential for growing children, especially as their permanent teeth come in. Children are just as susceptible to gum disease as adults, so we’ll carefully examine their gums and provide age-appropriate tips for flossing and gum care at home.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque starts forming as soon as teeth come in, and if it’s not removed, it can harden into tartar. Both plaque and tartar can lead to tooth decay, particularly in hard-to-reach places. Our hygienist will gently remove plaque and tartar, and we may recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen their enamel.
Watching for Milestones
We’ll review your child’s chart and X-rays to monitor their development. Children typically get their first set of teeth between 6 months and 6 years, gradually losing baby teeth and gaining permanent ones into their teens. The dentist will track their progress and address any concerns about tooth development, ensuring everything is on track.
Cost of a Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning and Exam in Barrie
Routine dental checkups for kids are an excellent way to prevent future dental problems, and most insurance plans cover them almost entirely. With typical insurance, you may expect to pay as little as $0 to $50 per visit, depending on your coverage. Insurance usually provides for a cleaning and exam every six months unless there are special circumstances. If you don’t have dental insurance, the cost typically ranges from $120 to $300 or more, especially for first-time appointments or if it’s been a while since their last visit.
When determining the cost of your child’s treatment, several factors come into play:
- The current state of their oral health
- Whether new X-rays are needed
- Fluoride treatments or sealants for adult teeth
- The amount of time the dental team needs to meet your child’s needs
- The specific equipment and supplies required
Remember, exact quotes can’t be given over the phone. If you’d like a personalized estimate or itemized quote, we’d be happy to provide one. Regular pediatric dental care is essential for keeping track of the many changes that occur in your child’s mouth as they grow, preventing costly and painful issues 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, we recommend bringing your child in every six months for a cleaning and checkup, unless the dentist suggests otherwise. Some children may benefit from visits every three months, but it’s important not to wait longer than a year between appointments.
Don’t wait. If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth or oral health, it’s best to visit us right away. Early intervention can help address any issues before they become more serious.
Young children may not always express dental discomfort, as they may not know what’s normal. However, your child could be experiencing pain or sensitivity if you notice any of the following signs:
- Frequently touching or cupping their face and teeth
- Acting defensive or scared when others come near their mouth
- Swelling, redness, or discolouration of their gums, cheeks, or teeth
- Running a fever, which can sometimes accompany a toothache
- Avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks
- Steering clear of chewy or hard foods like raw vegetables or meat
- Chewing on only one side of their mouth
Children often become irritable or withdrawn when dealing with dental pain, so keep an eye out for changes in their mood as well. If you spot any of these signs, it’s best to have a dentist check for any issues early.
Most appointments last between 30 minutes to an hour. However, they can take longer if your child has lots of questions or if they are anxious and need extra reassurance and gentle care.
- Start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they appear, using child-friendly and age-appropriate toothpaste and brushes.
- Teach your child about oral care and help them develop the habit of brushing twice a day.
- Fluoride treatments are highly beneficial for children. Request fluoride treatment at the dentist and use fluoridated products and water at home.
- Limit sugary or acidic foods and drinks like juice and pop, which can cause tooth decay.
- Avoid giving sugary snacks or drinks before bed.
- Be a role model—brush your own teeth twice daily and floss regularly!
Your child should wait at least 30 minutes after a fluoride treatment before eating or drinking. This allows the fluoride time to fully absorb and do its job before being washed away.
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