Extra Gentle Care for Their Gums and Teeth
Children should visit their dentist as often as adults. Routine teeth cleaning and exams are two of the most important steps you can take to preserve their oral health and encourage healthy development. Cleaning their teeth removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and other issues that may affect how their adult teeth come in. A kid friendly hygienist can reach spots that are hard for kids to clean with regular brushing and flossing at home.
After a thorough cleaning, the hygienist and dentist will examine their overall oral health, check on baby teeth that are coming in or falling out, and look at adult teeth that are settling into their permanent positions. We will give you tips and advice for taking care of your child’s teeth at home and let you know what to watch for as they grow.
Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleanings and Exams Help:
- Keep their baby teeth and adult teeth as healthy and strong as possible.
- Prevent gum disease and maintain overall oral health.
- Track their progress and milestones as they grow.
- 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?
Before the check up, we review your child’s dental history and chart to spot any problem areas or patterns. We may take X-rays and discuss fluoride treatments or sealants for their new adult teeth. We will speak to your child in an approachable way to help them feel comfortable and ask them how they feel about their teeth and mouth. We want them to share any thoughts or concerns they might have.
Gum Health
Gums are essential for supporting your child’s teeth and framing their smile. Healthy gums are especially important when permanent teeth are coming in. Children are just as susceptible to gum disease as adults. We will carefully examine the gums and offer age appropriate advice on how to care for them at home.
Plaque and Tartar Removal
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that starts to form on teeth as soon as they emerge. If it is not cleaned regularly, plaque can harden into tartar, which is difficult to remove without professional tools. Plaque and tartar can lead to tooth decay, and they are especially hard to remove between teeth and along the gumline. Our hygienists are skilled in gently scaling away plaque and tartar from these hard to reach areas. After the cleaning, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your child’s enamel.
Watching for Milestones
The dentist will review your child’s chart and any new X-rays to focus on any concerns or changes to monitor. Children typically get their first set of teeth between six months and six years. They will lose their baby teeth and get their permanent adult teeth throughout their childhood, sometimes into their teens for wisdom teeth. The dentist will keep track of their progress and address any concerns along the way.
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
Like adults, we recommend that children have their teeth cleaned and checked every six months, unless the dentist suggests otherwise. Some children may need to come every three months or every eight months, depending on their specific needs. We recommend no more than one year between appointments. If your child is experiencing any discomfort or pain, do not wait, book an appointment right away.
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 are still minor.
Young children may not have a frame of reference for what is normal discomfort, so they may try to cope without speaking up. If you notice your child doing any of the following, they may be experiencing dental pain or sensitivity:
- Touching or cupping their face and teeth excessively
- Being defensive or reluctant to let others near their face and teeth
- Swelling, redness, or discoloration in their gums, cheeks, or teeth
- Running a fever, which can sometimes occur with a toothache
- Avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks
- Avoiding chewy or hard foods like raw vegetables or chunks of meat
- Only chewing on one side of their mouth
- Children often become irritable and moody when they are dealing with dental pain.
Most appointments last between 30 minutes and one hour. Dental visits may take longer if children have many questions or if they are anxious and need extra care and patience.
Start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they appear. Use age appropriate, child friendly toothpaste and brushes. Teach your child about their mouth and the importance of taking care of it. Get them into the habit of brushing twice a day.
Children also benefit greatly from fluoride treatments. You can ask for fluoride treatment at the dentist and use fluoridated products at home. Limit sugary or acidic foods and drinks like juice and soda, as they can promote tooth decay. Avoid sweet treats and snacks before bedtime.
Be a good role model, brush your own teeth twice a day and floss regularly!
Your child should wait at least 30 minutes after fluoride treatment before eating or drinking. This waiting period allows the fluoride to fully absorb into their enamel before it is washed away by food or drink.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
Booking an Appointment is Easy!
Simply call us or book an appointment in 3 easy steps:
Fill Out a Quick Form
We'll Call You Right Away
Choose a Time That Works for You
