Extra Gentle Care for Their Gums and Teeth
Just like adults, children should follow a routine dental visit schedule to maintain strong oral health and proper development. Regular cleanings and exams help prevent issues such as plaque buildup, tartar accumulation, tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. They also support the healthy eruption of permanent teeth. A skilled, kid-friendly hygienist can clean those hard-to-reach areas that children often struggle to maintain on their own.
After a thorough cleaning, both the hygienist and dentist assess your child’s overall oral health. This includes checking for early signs of dental issues, monitoring the shedding of baby teeth, and ensuring proper alignment of permanent teeth. We also provide personalized guidance on what to watch for and offer practical at-home oral care tips tailored to your child’s needs.
The Benefits of Regular Pediatric Teeth Cleanings and Exams
- Maintain the health and strength of both baby and adult teeth.
- Prevent gum disease and support overall oral health.
- Track dental progress and key developmental milestones.
- Build a positive relationship with the dentist for lifelong comfort.
- Encourage children to take responsibility for their oral care.
- Establish strong oral hygiene habits that last a lifetime.
What Happens During Children’s Teeth Cleaning?
Before the check-up, we review your child’s dental history to identify any potential issues or patterns. If necessary, we may take X-rays or discuss preventive treatments such as fluoride applications or sealants for newly emerging adult teeth. To ensure a positive experience, we communicate in a kid-friendly manner, making them feel comfortable while encouraging them to share any concerns about their teeth or oral health.
Gum health
Healthy gums are essential for supporting strong teeth and maintaining a confident smile. As permanent teeth begin to emerge, gum care becomes even more critical, as children are just as susceptible to gum disease as adults. During the exam, we carefully assess the soft tissues of the mouth and provide age-appropriate guidance on flossing and gum care to help your child build lifelong oral hygiene habits.
Plaque & tartar removal
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that begins forming on teeth shortly after they erupt. If not removed regularly, it hardens into tartar, which can lead to tooth decay and gum inflammation. Plaque and tartar are particularly difficult to eliminate from hard-to-reach areas, such as between teeth and along the gumline. Our skilled hygienists use specialized tools to gently remove these deposits, ensuring a thorough cleaning. Afterward, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel and provide extra protection against cavities.
Watching for milestones
Every child’s dental development is unique, and we closely monitor their progress to ensure a smooth transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth. Primary teeth typically begin emerging between 6 months and 6 years of age, with adult teeth gradually replacing them throughout childhood and adolescence. During the visit, the dentist will review your child’s dental records and X-rays to detect any concerns, track their dental milestones, and address potential issues early. If necessary, we will provide personalized recommendations to support your child’s oral health at every stage.
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
Just like adults, children should visit the dentist for a professional cleaning and checkup every six months, unless otherwise recommended. In some cases, more frequent visits every three months may be beneficial. However, to maintain optimal oral health, it is important not to go more than a year between appointments.
Don’t wait. If you have any concerns about your child’s oral health, it’s best to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Addressing potential issues early can help prevent them from becoming more serious.
Young children may not always communicate their discomfort, and some may endure pain without mentioning it. Signs that your child may be experiencing dental pain include:
- Frequently touching or holding their face or teeth.
- Becoming defensive or anxious when their mouth is touched.
- Swelling, redness, or discoloration of the gums, cheeks, or teeth.
- Running a fever, which can sometimes accompany a toothache.
- Avoiding hot, cold, chewy, or hard foods.
- Chewing only on one side of their mouth.
- Increased irritability or moodiness.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to seek dental care promptly.
Most appointments last between 30 minutes to an hour. The duration may vary depending on the child’s comfort level, any questions they may have, and whether they need extra reassurance, particularly for those who experience dental anxiety.
Start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they appear using an age-appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste. Teach them proper brushing techniques and encourage them to brush twice a day. Fluoride treatments are highly beneficial, so consider requesting them at the dentist and incorporating fluoride-based products and fluoridated drinking water into their routine. Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, such as juice and soda, as they contribute to tooth decay—especially before bedtime. Setting a good example by maintaining your own oral hygiene habits will encourage them to do the same.
Your child should wait at least 30 minutes after a fluoride treatment before eating or drinking. This allows enough time for the fluoride to fully absorb into the enamel before being washed away by food or beverages.
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