Extra gentle care for their gums and teeth
Children should visit their dentist as routinely as adults. Routine teeth cleaning and examinations are two of the most critical steps you can take to preserve their oral health and encourage healthy development. Cleaning their teeth removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can cause decay, gum disease, chronic bad breath, and may affect how their adult teeth come in. A kid friendly hygienist is able to get into spaces that are not easy for kids to reach with routine brushing and flossing at home.
After a thorough cleaning, it is the perfect time for the hygienist and dentist to closely examine their overall oral health, problem areas, baby teeth that may be coming in or falling out, and adult teeth that are finding their permanent home. We will let you know what to watch out for and give you some tips and tricks for oral care at home that are tailored to your child’s specific needs.
- Keep their baby teeth and new adult teeth as healthy and as strong as possible.
- Prevent gum disease and maintain their overall oral health.
- Monitor their progress and milestones through many changes.
- Establish a positive relationship with the dentist.
- Empower kids to take care of their own oral health at home.
- Establish good habits that will last a lifetime.
Routine pediatric teeth cleanings and exams help:
What happens during children’s teeth cleaning?
Before their checkup, we will review their chart and history to quickly find any problem areas or identify troubling patterns. We may take prescribed X rays or ask about fluoride treatment or sealants for new adult teeth. We will speak to your child in a kid friendly manner to help them feel comfortable and ask them how they feel about their teeth and mouth, and whether they have anything they would like to ask or share.
Gum health
Often overlooked, gums support your child’s teeth and frame their smile. Good gum health is essential when the permanent teeth are coming in. Children are just as susceptible to inflammatory gum diseases as adults. We will take special care examining the soft tissues of their mouth and give them age appropriate advice for flossing and gum care at home.
Plaque and tartar removal
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that begins accumulating on teeth as soon as they come in. If plaque is not routinely cleaned away, it can harden into tartar deposits. Plaque and tartar lead to tooth decay and are especially hard to remove between teeth and along the gumline. A hygienist has the tools and training to gently scale away stuck on plaque and tartar from those hard to reach places. Once that is complete, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to help strengthen their enamel.
Watching for milestones
The dentist will check your child’s chart and any new X rays, and focus on any problem areas, troubling patterns, or new developments that need monitoring. Children typically get their first set of teeth between 6 months and 6 years of age. They gradually lose their baby teeth and grow in their permanent adult teeth throughout their teens. Every child is different, so the dentist will monitor their unique progress and discuss any concerns or delays.
Cost of a routine pediatric teeth cleaning and exam in Brantford
Just like with adult teeth cleanings and exams, regular checkups for kids are a great way to avoid dental problems, and most insurance companies will cover them almost entirely. With typical insurance, you might pay as little as $0 to $50. Without insurance, the cost can range from $120 to $300 or more, especially for a first time visit or if it has been a while since the last appointment.
- Their current oral health
- Any new X rays that might be required
- Fluoride treatment or sealants for new adult teeth
- The amount of time required by the dental team
- Supplies and equipment needed for their specific needs
When we determine the actual cost of your child’s treatment, we consider:
If you are looking for a trusted Dental Office in Brantford, our team is here to help. We believe that monitoring your child’s dental development through routine care is the best way to prevent painful and costly complications down the line.
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
We recommend checkups and cleanings every six months unless the dentist advises otherwise. Some children benefit from more frequent visits every three months, especially if they are at higher risk for cavities or gum disease. Try not to wait more than a year between appointments.
Do not wait. If you are concerned about your child’s oral health, book a visit right away. Early detection makes all the difference.
Some signs to watch for:
- Frequently touching or cupping their cheeks
- Being protective about their mouth when others get close
- Redness or swelling in the gums, cheeks, or lips
- Fever that may indicate infection
- Avoiding hot, cold, chewy, or hard foods
- Chewing only on one side of their mouth
- General irritability or mood changes
Most cleanings take between 30 minutes to an hour. Appointments may take longer if your child has lots of questions or needs extra reassurance.
Start cleaning as soon as the first teeth appear using age appropriate toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste. Encourage brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Limit sugary or acidic snacks and drinks, especially before bed. Be a role model by practicing good oral hygiene yourself.
Wait at least 30 minutes after fluoride is applied to give it time to fully absorb and protect the enamel.
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