Extra Gentle Care for Their Gums and Teeth
Children need regular dental visits, just like adults. Routine teeth cleanings and exams are essential for maintaining their oral health and supporting healthy growth. Professional cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, and can even impact the alignment of their incoming adult teeth. A kid-friendly hygienist can reach those tricky spots that daily brushing and flossing might miss.
After a thorough cleaning, it’s the ideal time for the hygienist and dentist to assess their overall oral health, monitor baby teeth that are coming in or falling out, and ensure adult teeth are settling in properly. We’ll provide you with personalized advice and tips for maintaining their oral health at home, tailored to your child’s unique needs.
- Keep baby teeth and new adult teeth as healthy and strong as possible.
- Prevent gum disease and maintain overall oral health.
- Monitor their progress and milestones through various changes.
- Establish a positive relationship with the dentist.
- Empower kids to take care of their own oral health at home.
- Build good 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 review your child’s chart and history to quickly identify any problem areas or patterns. If needed, we may take X-rays or discuss fluoride treatments or sealants for new adult teeth. We speak to your child in a friendly manner to make them feel comfortable and encourage them to share any thoughts or questions they have about their teeth.
Gum Health
Gums are often overlooked, but they play a vital role in supporting your child’s teeth and shaping their smile. Good gum health is crucial as permanent teeth come in, and kids are just as prone to gum inflammation as adults. We take extra care to examine their gums and offer age-appropriate advice for flossing and gum care at home.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that can quickly build up on teeth. If not regularly cleaned, it hardens into tartar, leading to tooth decay. Plaque and tartar can be tough to remove, especially between teeth and along the gumline. Our hygienists use specialized tools to gently remove these deposits, making it easier to keep their teeth clean. Afterward, we might suggest a fluoride treatment to help strengthen their enamel.
Watching for Milestones
The dentist will review your child’s chart, any recent X-rays, and focus on problem areas or new developments. Most children get their first teeth between 6 months and 6 years, gradually losing baby teeth and gaining permanent ones into their teens (with wisdom teeth often appearing later). Every child is unique, and we monitor their progress closely to address any concerns or delays along the way.
Cost of a Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning and Exam in Wellesley
Routine checkups for kids are a great way to prevent dental issues, and many insurance companies provide substantial coverage for these visits. With typical insurance, you might pay between $0 to $50 (or more), depending on your plan. Most insurance policies cover these cleanings every six months, except for special circumstances. For those without dental insurance, the cost can range from $120 to $300 or more, particularly for a first appointment or if it has been a while since their last visit.
- Their current oral health.
- Any new X-rays that may be needed.
- Fluoride treatments or sealants for new adult teeth.
- The time required by the dental team to address their specific needs.
- The equipment and supplies needed to provide comprehensive care.
When determining the actual cost of your child’s treatment, we consider several key factors:
Keep in mind, no dentist can give an exact quote over the phone. If you’d like more personalized information or an itemized quote, we’d be happy to provide one upon request. Routine pediatric dental care is essential, as monitoring changes in their mouths during growth is the best way to prevent 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 typically recommend bringing your child in every 6 months for a teeth cleaning and checkup, unless your dentist suggests otherwise. Some families prefer to schedule visits every 3 months for added care, but it’s best not to wait longer than a year between appointments.
Don’t wait. If you have any concerns about your child’s teeth or oral health, it’s best to visit us right away. Addressing issues early can prevent them from becoming more serious.
Young children may not always understand what level of discomfort is normal, and some may try to cope without saying anything. Your child might be experiencing dental pain or sensitivity if you notice the following signs:
- Excessive touching or cupping of their face or teeth.
- Being defensive or afraid to let others near their face or mouth.
- Swelling, redness, or discolouration of the gums, cheeks, or teeth.
- Running a fever, which can sometimes indicate a toothache.
- Avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Steering clear of chewy or hard foods like raw vegetables or chunks of meat.
- Chewing only on one side of their mouth.
- Increased irritability or a glum mood.
If you observe any of these behaviours, it’s best to consult with a dentist as soon as possible to address any underlying issues.
Most appointments last between 30 minutes to an hour. Dental visits may take longer if children have many questions or if an anxious child needs extra reassurance and gentle patience.
- Start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they appear, using approved, child-friendly toothpaste and brushes.
- Teach your child about their oral health and encourage them to brush twice a day.
- Fluoride treatments are highly beneficial. Request fluoride treatments during dental visits and use fluoride toothpaste and drinking water at home.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks like juice and soda, as they can cause tooth decay. Avoid sweet treats before bed, especially.
- Set a good example by brushing your own teeth twice a day and flossing regularly.
Your child should wait at least 30 minutes after a fluoride treatment before eating or drinking. This waiting period allows the fluoride to fully absorb and strengthen their teeth before being disturbed by food or drink.
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