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 which may affect how their adult teeth come in. A kid-friendly hygienist is able to get into spaces that aren’t easy for kids to reach with routine brushing and flossing at home.
After a thorough cleaning 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.
- Empowers 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 A Child's Teeth Cleaning?
Prior to the appointment, we’ll go over your child’s medical records and history to swiftly pinpoint any areas of concern or detect emerging issues. We might take recommended X-rays, or discuss options like fluoride treatments or sealants for newly-erupted adult teeth. Throughout the visit, we’ll engage with your child using child-friendly language to put them at ease, while also inquiring about their feelings toward their oral health and giving them the opportunity to ask questions or share thoughts.
Gum health
Frequently overlooked, gums play a crucial role in anchoring your child’s teeth and shaping their smile. Maintaining healthy gums is especially important as permanent teeth emerge, and it’s worth noting that children are equally vulnerable to inflammatory gum conditions as adults. During the examination, we will pay close attention to the soft tissues in their mouth and offer tailored guidance on flossing and home-based gum care suitable for their age.
Plaque & tartar removal
Plaque, a soft and sticky substance, begins to form on teeth as soon as they emerge. If not consistently removed, this plaque can solidify into tartar. Both plaque and tartar contribute to tooth decay and are particularly challenging to eliminate from areas between teeth and near the gumline. A dental hygienist possesses the specialized tools and expertise to carefully remove this stubborn plaque and tartar from hard-to-access spots. Once that’s taken care of, we might suggest a fluoride treatment to fortify your child’s enamel.
Watching for milestones
The dentist will review your child’s medical records and any recent X-rays to focus on potential problem zones, emerging issues, or new developments that require attention. Children generally start getting their first set of teeth anywhere from 6 months to 6 years of age. Over time, they’ll lose their baby teeth and acquire their permanent adult teeth, a process that can extend into their teenage years or even later for wisdom teeth. Since every child’s dental journey is unique, the dentist will keep an eye on their developmental progress and address any concerns or delays that arise.
Cost Of A Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning And Exam In Leduc
Similar to dental cleanings and exams for adults, routine check-ups for children are so effective in preventing dental issues that most insurance plans offer substantial coverage for these visits. With standard insurance, your out-of-pocket costs could range from as low as $0 to $50 or slightly higher. Insurance usually covers these check-ups every six months, barring special circumstances. For those without dental insurance, the cost can vary from $120 to $300 or more, particularly for a child’s first appointment or if it’s been a considerable time since the last visit.
- The current state of their oral health.
- Any new X-rays that may be necessary.
- The potential need for fluoride treatments or sealants for emerging adult teeth.
- The time commitment required from the dental team to address their individual needs.
- The equipment and materials necessary to fully meet their dental care requirements.
The final cost of your child’s dental treatment is influenced by several key factors, including:
Please note that we can’t provide exact cost estimates over the phone. For a personalised quote, just ask the office! Regular pediatric dental care is vital for preventing costly and painful issues as your child grows.
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
- Excessive touching or cupping of their face and teeth.
- Defensive or scared to let others near their face and teeth.
- Swelling, redness or discolouration of the gums, cheeks and teeth.
- Some children run a fever if they have a toothache.
- Avoiding hot and cold foods and drinks
- Avoiding chewy or hard foods like raw veggies and chunks of meat.
- Only chewing on one side of their mouth.
- Children often become irritable and glum if they’re experiencing dental pain.
- Start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they come in. Use approved, child friendly and age-appropriate toothpaste and brushes.
- Teach your child about their mouths and how to take care of them. Get them in the habit of brushing their own teeth twice a day.
- Children benefit greatly from fluoride treatments. You can request fluoride treatment at the dentist and use fluorinated products and drinking water at home.
- Sugary or acidic foods and drinks like juice and pop promote tooth decay and should be enjoyed in moderation.
- Especially avoid sweet treats and snacks before bed.
- Be a good example, brush your own teeth twice a day and floss!
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