Extra Gentle Care for Their Gums and Teeth
Just like adults, children need regular dental visits to maintain their oral health. Routine teeth cleanings and exams are essential steps in preserving their dental health and encouraging healthy development. Cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and even affect how adult teeth come in. A kid-friendly hygienist can access areas that may be hard for children to reach with their daily brushing and flossing.
After the cleaning, the dentist and hygienist will carefully examine your child’s overall oral health, check for potential problem areas, and monitor the development of baby and adult teeth. They’ll provide you with personalized tips to ensure your child’s oral care continues at home.
Routine pediatric cleanings and exams help:
- Keep both baby teeth and new adult teeth strong and healthy.
- Prevent gum disease and maintain overall oral health.
- Monitor your child’s dental milestones through their growth.
- Foster a positive relationship with the dentist.
- Empower kids to care for their own oral health.
- Instill good habits that will last a lifetime.
What Happens During Children’s Teeth Cleaning?
Before your child’s check-up, we’ll review their dental history to identify any areas of concern. We may take X-rays or discuss fluoride treatment and sealants for new adult teeth. Our team will communicate with your child in a friendly manner to make them feel comfortable, asking them how they feel about their teeth and addressing any questions they may have.
Gum Health
Healthy gums are crucial for supporting growing teeth, especially as permanent teeth come in. Children are just as prone to gum inflammation as adults, so we carefully examine their gums and provide age-appropriate advice on flossing and gum care to maintain healthy gums.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque, a sticky film that accumulates on teeth, can harden into tartar if not regularly cleaned. Both plaque and tartar contribute to tooth decay and are difficult to remove from tight spaces between teeth and along the gumline. Our hygienist will gently remove any build-up with specialized tools, ensuring a thorough cleaning. We may also recommend a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your child’s enamel.
Monitoring Milestones
As your child grows, their dental development will be carefully monitored. Children typically get their first teeth between 6 months and 6 years, with baby teeth gradually being replaced by adult teeth throughout their early teens. The dentist will review any X-rays and watch for any delays or concerns with tooth eruption, ensuring your child’s teeth are developing as expected.
Cost Of A Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning And Exam In Waterloo
Cost of a Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning and Exam in Waterloo
Routine checkups for kids are essential in preventing dental issues, and most insurance plans cover them almost entirely. You can expect to pay as little as $140 for a pediatric cleaning and exam.
When determining the exact cost of treatment, we consider several factors, including:
- Your child’s current oral health.
- Whether new X-rays are needed.
- If fluoride treatment or sealants are required for new adult teeth.
- The time needed to address your child’s specific needs.
- The equipment and supplies required for their care.
While we can’t provide an exact quote over the phone, we’re happy to offer a personalized, itemized estimate upon request. Routine pediatric dental care is critical in monitoring your child’s oral health as they grow, helping to prevent costly and painful complications 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
For most children, we recommend a dental cleaning and checkup every six months, just like adults. However, some kids may benefit from more frequent visits, such as every three months, depending on their dental needs. It’s crucial not to wait more than a year between cleanings to ensure their oral health stays on track.
Don’t wait. If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth or oral health, it’s always best to schedule an appointment right away. Addressing potential issues early can prevent them from becoming more serious.
Children may not always express when they’re in discomfort because they don’t have the experience to understand what’s normal. Here are signs to watch for that might indicate dental pain or sensitivity:
- Frequently touching or cupping their face and mouth.
- Being defensive or fearful when someone approaches their mouth.
- Swelling, redness, or discolouration of the gums, cheeks, or teeth.
- Running a fever due to a toothache.
- Avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Steering clear of hard or chewy foods like raw vegetables or meat.
- Favouring one side of the mouth when chewing.
- Irritability or moodiness that may be caused by discomfort.
A typical cleaning lasts between 30 minutes and an hour. It can take a bit longer for children who are anxious or have lots of questions, as we always take extra time to provide reassurance and ensure they’re comfortable.
Start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as their first tooth appears. Use age-appropriate toothbrushes and toothpaste specifically designed for children. Encourage them to brush twice a day and teach them about the importance of oral hygiene. Additionally:
- Fluoride treatments can offer significant protection against cavities. Ask your dentist about them, and use fluoridated products at home.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, such as juice and soda, as these can lead to tooth decay.
- Avoid giving sweet treats right before bed.
- Set a good example by brushing and flossing your own teeth regularly.
Your child should wait at least 30 minutes after a fluoride treatment before eating or drinking. This allows the fluoride to properly coat the teeth and provide maximum protection without being rinsed away prematurely.
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