Extra Gentle Care For Their Gums And Teeth
Regular dental visits are just as important for children as they are for adults. Among the most crucial steps in preserving their oral health and promoting healthy development are routine teeth cleaning and examinations. During these visits, plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can lead to decay, gum disease, and persistent bad breath are effectively removed, which also plays a role in ensuring the proper alignment of their adult teeth.
A kid-friendly hygienist possesses the expertise to access hard-to-reach areas that may be challenging for kids to clean thoroughly with regular brushing and flossing at home. Following a comprehensive cleaning, the hygienist and dentist thoroughly assess the child’s overall oral health, identifying any problem areas, monitoring the emergence or loss of baby teeth, and observing the positioning of adult teeth as they settle into their permanent positions.
During these visits, you will receive valuable insights on what to be mindful of, along with customized tips and tricks for at-home oral care tailored to your child’s specific needs. These measures not only help maintain the health and strength of both baby and adult teeth but also serve to prevent gum disease, monitor their progress through developmental changes, foster a positive relationship with the dentist, empower children to take charge of their oral health at home, and establish enduring good habits.
Routine pediatric teeth cleanings and exams help:
- 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.
What Happens During Children’s Teeth Cleaning?
Prior to their check-up, we will thoroughly review your child’s chart and medical history to promptly identify any areas of concern or detect any worrisome patterns. Depending on the situation, we may also take prescribed X-rays or inquire about the need for fluoride treatment or sealants, particularly for their new adult teeth.
During the appointment, we will communicate with your child in a kid-friendly and reassuring manner, ensuring they feel at ease. We’ll inquire about their feelings regarding their teeth and mouth, encouraging them to share any questions or thoughts they may have. This approach fosters a comfortable environment, allowing your child to engage openly in their dental care process.
Gum Health
Gums play a crucial role in supporting your child’s teeth and enhancing their smile. Maintaining good gum health is vital, especially as their permanent teeth emerge, as children are susceptible to gum diseases just like adults. During the check-up, we’ll pay close attention to the soft tissues in their mouth and offer age-appropriate guidance on flossing and proper gum care at home.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque, a soft, sticky film, begins to accumulate on teeth as soon as they emerge. If not regularly cleaned, it hardens into tartar deposits, leading to tooth decay and challenging removal, especially between teeth and at the gum-line. Our hygienist possesses the necessary tools and expertise to delicately scale away stubborn plaque and tartar from these difficult-to-reach areas. Once the buildup is addressed, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen their enamel.
Watching for Milestones
The dentist will carefully review your child’s chart, along with any recent X-rays, focusing on identifying any issues, concerning patterns, or new developments that require monitoring. Children usually get their first set of teeth between 6 months and 6 years of age. As they grow, they will gradually lose their baby teeth and replace them with permanent adult teeth, which can continue into their teens (and sometimes even later for wisdom teeth!). Every child’s dental development is unique, and the dentist will closely monitor their progress, addressing any concerns or delays they may observe.
Cost Of A Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning And Exam In Thornhill
Similar to adult teeth cleanings and exams, regular checkups for kids are highly effective in preventing dental problems, and most insurance companies offer substantial coverage for these routine visits. With typical insurance plans, you might only need to pay as low as $0 to $50 (or potentially more) for these checkups. Insurance companies usually provide coverage every 6 months, unless there are special circumstances. However, if you do not have dental insurance, the cost can range from $120 to $300 or higher, particularly for their initial appointment or if it’s their first visit in a long time.
When we determine the actual cost of their treatment we refer to a few important factors:
- Their current oral health.
- New X-rays that might be required.
- Fluoride treatment or sealants for new adult teeth.
- The amount of time required by the dental team to meet their specific needs.
- The equipment and supplies that will be needed to serve all their needs.
Please note that it’s not possible to provide an exact quote over the phone. However, if you would like more personalized information or an itemized quote, we are more than happy to provide one upon request.
We cannot emphasize enough the importance of routine pediatric dental care. Monitoring the changes in their mouths as they grow and develop is the most effective way to prevent costly and painful complications. Ensuring your child receives proper dental care will not only promote their oral health but also contribute to their overall well-being.
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
Similar to adults, we typically advise scheduling teeth cleanings and checkups every 6 months, unless the dentist suggests otherwise. Some individuals may choose to come in as frequently as every 3 months based on their specific needs. However, we strongly recommend not waiting longer than a year between dental visits to ensure optimal oral health and catch any potential issues early.
Don’t wait. If you have any concerns about your child’s teeth or oral health it’s best to come in right away so we can address any issues while they’re still minor.
Young children may have difficulty expressing their level of discomfort, making it essential for parents to be vigilant for signs of dental pain. Some children may try to cope silently, avoiding communication about their discomfort. As a parent, you should pay attention to signs such as excessive touching or cupping of their face and teeth, fearfulness when others approach their face, swelling or redness in the gums, cheeks, or teeth, running a fever, avoiding hot and cold foods, steering clear of chewy or hard foods, chewing predominantly on one side of their mouth, and displaying irritability and sadness. Recognizing these indicators can prompt timely intervention and ensure your child’s comfort by seeking professional dental care when necessary.
Most appointments last between thirty minutes to an hour. Dental appointments can take longer if children have lots of questions or for anxious children who need plenty of reassurance and gentle patience.
It’s crucial to start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they emerge. Choose approved, child-friendly toothpaste and age-appropriate toothbrushes. Educate your child about their oral health and how to care for their teeth properly. Encourage them to brush their teeth twice a day to establish a good habit. Fluoride treatments offer significant benefits for children, so consider requesting them at the dentist’s office and using fluorinated products and drinking water at home. Limit sugary or acidic foods and drinks like juice and soda, as they can lead to tooth decay. Particularly, avoid sweet treats and snacks before bedtime. Be a positive role model for your child’s oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly.
Your child should wait at least 30 minutes after a fluoride treatment before eating or drinking. Waiting the full 30 minutes gives the treatment time to work it’s magic before it’s scrubbed away by food and rinsed away with drink.