Extra Gentle Care For Their Gums And Teeth
Just like adults, children should have regular dental visits. Regular teeth cleanings and exams are vital for preserving their oral health and promoting healthy growth. Professional cleanings eliminate plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can cause cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and impact the development of their adult teeth. A child-friendly hygienist can reach areas that kids often miss during their daily brushing and flossing routines at home.
Following a detailed cleaning, the hygienist and dentist will carefully evaluate your child’s oral health, noting any issues, tracking the progress of baby teeth coming in or falling out, and ensuring adult teeth are properly positioned. We’ll advise you on what to monitor and offer customized tips for maintaining your child’s oral health at home.
- Keep their baby teeth and new adult teeth healthy and strong
- Prevent gum disease and support overall oral health
- Track their development and milestones through various changes
- Build a positive relationship with the dentist
- Encourage children to take responsibility for their oral health at home
- Establish lifelong good dental habits
Routine pediatric teeth cleanings and exams help:
What Happens During Children’s Teeth Cleaning?
Our team will engage with your child in a friendly manner to make them feel comfortable and encourage them to ask questions or share their thoughts about their teeth and mouth. We will review their chart and history beforehand to identify any potential issues or patterns of concern. Necessary X-rays may be taken, and we’ll discuss options such as fluoride treatments or sealants for emerging adult teeth.
Gum Health
Gums, which often go unnoticed, are crucial for supporting your child’s teeth and defining their smile. Healthy gums are especially important as permanent teeth start to emerge, since children are just as susceptible to gum diseases as adults. We will carefully examine the soft tissues in their mouth and offer age-specific advice for flossing and gum care at home.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
As soon as teeth emerge, plaque—a soft, sticky film—starts to accumulate. If not removed regularly, plaque hardens into tartar, leading to tooth decay. Tartar can be especially stubborn to remove from between teeth and along the gumline. Our hygienists possess the expertise and tools needed to gently scale away plaque and tartar from these hard-to-reach areas. Following this cleaning, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen your child’s enamel.
Watching for milestones
Your child’s dental records and recent X-rays will be carefully examined by the dentist to identify any areas of concern, troubling trends, or new developments that require monitoring. Typically, children begin teething between 6 months and 6 years of age, gradually losing their baby teeth and transitioning to permanent adult teeth throughout their teenage years (and sometimes even later for wisdom teeth!). Each child’s development journey is unique. The dentist will closely monitor their progress and promptly address any issues that arise.
Cost Of A Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning And Exam In St. Thomas
Similar to adult dental cleanings and exams, regular checkups for children are crucial for preventing dental issues, often covered extensively by most insurance plans. With typical insurance coverage, costs can range from $0 to $50 or more, usually scheduled every six months unless there are specific needs. For those without dental insurance, expenses can vary from $120 to $300 and beyond, especially for initial or long-delayed appointments.
- The current state of their oral health
- Any new X-rays that may be necessary
- Potential fluoride treatments or sealants for emerging adult teeth
- The duration of the appointment required to address their individual needs
- Necessary equipment and supplies to fulfill all aspects of their treatment
When calculating the exact cost of treatment, we consider several key factors:
Monitoring all the changes in children’s mouths as they grow and develop is crucial to prevent costly and painful complications. It’s important to note that no dentist can give an exact quote over the phone. If you’d like personalized information or a detailed quote, please don’t hesitate to request one from us.
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 generally recommend scheduling teeth cleanings and checkups every six months, unless advised otherwise by the dentist. Some individuals may require more frequent visits, such as every three months. It’s advisable not to exceed a year between cleanings.
If you’re worried about your child’s teeth but it’s not yet time for your next checkup, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment. It’s essential to address any concerns about their teeth or oral health promptly to prevent minor issues from becoming more serious.
Young children may not always communicate their discomfort clearly, making it important to watch for signs such as:
- Excessive touching or cupping of their face and teeth
- Being defensive or fearful when others approach their face and teeth
- Swelling, redness, or discoloration of the gums, cheeks, or teeth
- Possible fever accompanying a toothache
- Avoidance of hot or cold foods and drinks
- Avoidance of chewy or hard foods like raw vegetables and meat chunks
- Chewing predominantly on one side of their mouth
- Irritability or moodiness, which can indicate dental pain
Typically, a children’s teeth cleaning appointment lasts between thirty minutes to an hour. The duration may vary depending on factors such as the child’s comfort level, any questions they may have, and the need for additional reassurance and gentle handling for anxious children.
To maintain your child’s oral health:
- Start cleaning their teeth as soon as they erupt using child-friendly, age-appropriate toothpaste and brushes
- Educate them about oral hygiene and encourage them to brush their teeth twice daily
- Consider fluoride treatments, available at the dentist, and use fluoridated products and drinking water at home
- Limit sugary or acidic foods and drinks like juice and soda to prevent tooth decay
- Avoid sweet treats and snacks before bedtime
- Set a good example by brushing your own teeth twice daily and flossing regularly
Following a fluoride treatment, it’s important for your child to wait at least 30 minutes before consuming food or beverages. This waiting period ensures that the fluoride treatment has enough time to fully benefit their teeth before it may be washed away by eating or drinking.
You can reduce the risk of cavities in your child by ensuring they brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, limit sugary snacks and drinks, and schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
To help your child feel at ease during dental visits, encourage them to ask questions and express any concerns they may have. Bringing along their favorite toy or comforting item can also provide reassurance.
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