Extra Gentle Care for Their Gums and Teeth
Children need regular dental check-ups just like adults to keep their oral health in check. Routine cleanings are vital for eliminating plaque and tartar that can cause issues like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. These visits also help ensure that their adult teeth come in correctly. A pediatric hygienist uses techniques suited for kids, reaching areas that might be difficult for them to clean thoroughly at home.
After a detailed cleaning, the hygienist and dentist will carefully review your child’s oral health. This includes checking for any issues, monitoring the transition from baby to adult teeth, and ensuring everything is developing properly. We’ll offer advice on what to look out for and provide customized tips for maintaining your child’s dental health at home.
Routine pediatric teeth cleanings and exams help:
- Keep both baby and adult teeth in optimal condition.
- Avoid gum issues and support overall dental health.
- Track changes and growth through different stages.
- Foster a positive and reassuring experience with dental visits.
- Motivate kids to practice good oral hygiene independently.
- Lay the groundwork for enduring dental habits.
What Happens During Children’s Teeth Cleaning?
Before the cleaning starts, we’ll go over your child’s dental records to check for any issues. If needed, we might take X-rays and talk about options like fluoride treatments or sealants for their new teeth. We’ll make sure to speak with your child in a friendly, reassuring way, asking them about their comfort and any questions they might have to ensure they feel relaxed and informed.
Gum Health
Gums play a crucial role in supporting your child’s teeth and shaping their smile. Healthy gums are especially important when permanent teeth are coming in, as children can also develop gum inflammation and disease. We’ll carefully examine the soft tissues in their mouth and provide age-appropriate tips for flossing and gum care at home to maintain optimal gum health.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque begins to form on your child’s teeth as soon as they come in. If not cleaned regularly, it can harden into tartar, which is tougher to remove and can lead to tooth decay. Tartar often builds up in hard-to-reach spots, like between teeth and along the gumline. Our hygienist uses specialized tools to gently remove this buildup. Afterward, we might recommend a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your child’s enamel and maintain their dental health.
Watching for Milestones
During the visit, the dentist will review your child’s chart and any recent X-rays to focus on problem areas, emerging patterns, or new developments. Children usually get their first set of teeth between 6 months and 6 years old and will gradually lose these baby teeth as their permanent teeth come in, continuing into their teenage years (and sometimes later for wisdom teeth). Each child’s dental development is unique, so the dentist will track their progress and address any concerns or delays as they arise.
Cost of a Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning and Exam in Delta
Routine dental checkups for children are a great way to prevent issues and are often covered generously by insurance. With typical insurance plans, you might only pay between $0 and $50 for these visits, as coverage is usually provided every 6 months. Without insurance, the cost can range from $120 to $300 or more, particularly for a child’s first appointment or after a long time without a visit.
When we determine the actual cost of treatment, we consider several key factors:
- Current Oral Health: The state of your child’s oral health and any existing issues.
- X-rays: Whether new X-rays are needed for accurate diagnosis.
- Additional Treatments: The need for fluoride treatments or sealants for new adult teeth.
- Time Required: The amount of time the dental team needs to address their specific needs.
- Equipment and Supplies: The tools and materials required for their care.
Please keep in mind that no dentist can provide an exact quote over the phone. For a more detailed and personalized estimate, we’re happy to offer an itemized quote upon request. Routine pediatric dental care is crucial for monitoring your child’s oral health as they grow. Regular checkups help prevent costly and painful issues by keeping track of changes in their dental development.
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
Children should have their teeth cleaned every 6 months, similar to adults. These regular cleanings are essential for preventing dental problems and maintaining good oral health. If your child has specific dental concerns or needs extra attention, the dentist might suggest more frequent visits. If you notice any issues or discomfort, it’s important to schedule an appointment promptly.
If you’re concerned about your child’s dental health, it’s important to act quickly. Don’t wait for the next scheduled appointment—contact us right away. We can evaluate the situation and provide the necessary care to address any issues before they escalate.
Children might not always express dental pain clearly. Watch for these signs to determine if your child might be experiencing discomfort:
- Touching or Cupping Their Face: Frequent touching or holding their face and teeth.
- Avoiding Contact: Being defensive or hesitant when someone gets near their mouth.
- Swelling or Redness: Noticeable swelling, redness, or discoloration in the gums, cheeks, or teeth.
- Fever: Running a fever, which can sometimes accompany a toothache.
- Avoiding Certain Foods: Steering clear of hot or cold foods and drinks, or avoiding chewy or hard foods like raw vegetables and meat.
- Chewing on One Side: Only chewing on one side of their mouth.
- Irritability: Increased irritability or moodiness, which can indicate discomfort.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to schedule a dental checkup to address potential issues.
Typically, a children’s teeth cleaning appointment lasts between 30 minutes to an hour. The duration may vary based on your child’s needs. If your child has many questions or feels anxious, the appointment might take a bit longer as the dentist provides extra reassurance and care.
Begin oral care as soon as your child’s first teeth emerge, using toothpaste and brushes designed for their age. Make brushing twice daily a routine, and involve them in learning about oral hygiene. Regular fluoride treatments from the dentist and using fluoride-rich products at home can strengthen their teeth. Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, particularly before bed, to reduce the risk of decay. Show good habits by maintaining your own dental routine, and your child will likely follow suit.
To ensure the fluoride has time to fully absorb and strengthen your child’s teeth, it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes after the treatment before eating or drinking. This waiting period allows the fluoride to work effectively before it’s removed by food or beverages.
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