Extra Gentle Care for Their Gums and Teeth
Kids need regular trips to the dentist, just like adults. Routine cleanings and checkups are some of the best ways to keep their smiles healthy and growing strong. A professional cleaning can remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that cause decay, gum disease, or bad breath—all of which might affect how their adult teeth come in. Plus, a kid-friendly hygienist can clean those tricky spots that brushing and flossing at home might miss.
After the cleaning, the hygienist and dentist will take a closer look at your child’s overall oral health, watch for baby teeth coming in or falling out, and keep an eye on those adult teeth as they settle into place. You’ll also get some personalized tips to help with your child’s at-home oral care.
Routine pediatric teeth cleanings and exams help:
- Keep baby teeth and new adult teeth healthy and strong
- Prevent gum disease and support overall oral health
- Track progress and milestones as your child’s mouth changes
- Build a positive, trusting relationship with the dentist
- Empower kids to care for their own oral health at home
- Establish lifelong healthy habits
What Happens During a Child's Teeth Cleaning?
Before their check-up, we’ll review your child’s chart and history to quickly pinpoint any concerns or patterns. We may take prescribed X-rays and discuss options like fluoride treatments or sealants for their new adult teeth. Our team speaks to your child in a friendly, kid-focused way to make them comfortable, encouraging them to share how they feel about their teeth or ask any questions.
Gum health
Gums play a crucial role in supporting your child’s teeth and framing their smile. Healthy gums are particularly important as permanent teeth come in, and children are just as susceptible to gum diseases as adults. We’ll carefully examine the soft tissues in their mouth and provide easy-to-follow advice on flossing and gum care at home, suited to their age and needs.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque is that sticky film that starts to build up on teeth as soon as they come in, and if it’s not cleaned away regularly, it can harden into tartar. Plaque and tartar can lead to tooth decay and are often tricky to remove, especially between teeth and along the gumline. That’s where a hygienist comes in—they have the right tools and skills to gently remove stubborn plaque and tartar from those hard-to-reach spots. After a thorough cleaning, a fluoride treatment may be recommended to strengthen and protect your child’s enamel.
Watching for Milestones
Your child’s dentist will review their chart and any new X-rays to spot any problem areas, patterns, or developments to monitor. Children usually get their first set of teeth between 6 months and 6 years, then gradually lose their baby teeth to make way for permanent adult teeth well into their teens (and sometimes later with wisdom teeth!). Since every child develops differently, the dentist will closely track their progress and address any concerns or delays as they come up.
Cost of a Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning and Exam in Whitby
Much like adult cleanings, routine checkups for kids are a proactive way to prevent dental issues, which is why most insurance plans nearly fully cover them. With typical coverage, your out-of-pocket cost might range from $0 to $50 or more, and most insurance policies provide coverage every six months, barring any special circumstances. If you don’t have dental insurance, the cost can range from $120 to $300 or more, especially for a first-time visit or if it’s been a while since their last appointment.
When we determine the actual cost of their treatment we refer to a few important factors:
- Their current oral health
- Any new X-rays required
- Fluoride treatments or sealants for adult teeth
- Time needed by the dental team
- Equipment and supplies necessary for their care
While it’s not possible to provide a precise quote over the phone, we’re more than happy to offer personalized information or a detailed quote upon request. Consistent pediatric dental care is crucial—it allows us to track your child’s oral development and helps prevent future issues that could lead to discomfort and costly treatments.
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
We usually recommend that children have their teeth cleaned and checked every six months, similar to adults, unless otherwise advised by the dentist. Some patients come as frequently as every three months, but we advise not waiting longer than a year between visits.
If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth or oral health, don’t wait. It’s best to bring them in as soon as possible so any potential issues can be addressed early while they’re still minor.
Young children often don’t know how to express dental discomfort, and some may try to cope without speaking up. Watch for these signs of potential pain or sensitivity:
- Frequently touching or cupping their face and teeth.
- Being defensive or hesitant about anyone going near their mouth.
- Swelling, redness, or discolouration of gums, cheeks, or teeth.
- Running a fever, which can accompany a toothache.
- Avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Steering clear of chewy or hard foods, like raw vegetables or chunks of meat.
- Chewing predominantly on one side of their mouth.
- Increased irritability or appearing unusually downcast.
A typical teeth cleaning for children usually lasts between 30 minutes to an hour. The appointment may take longer if your child has lots of questions or needs extra time and reassurance, particularly if they’re feeling anxious.
- Start Early: Begin cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they come in, using age-appropriate toothpaste and brushes.
- Teach Healthy Habits: Show your child how to brush their teeth properly and encourage them to brush twice a day.
- Fluoride is Your Friend: Fluoride treatments at the dentist and using fluoride-based products or drinking water at home can greatly benefit your child’s dental health.
- Limit Sugary & Acidic Foods: Foods and drinks like juice, soda, and sweets can promote tooth decay, so enjoy them in moderation, especially avoiding sugary treats before bed.
- Lead by Example: Set a positive example by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly.
It’s best for your child to wait at least 30 minutes after a fluoride treatment before eating or drinking, giving the fluoride time to fully strengthen their teeth.