Gentle Dental Care Tailored for Kids
Children should maintain regular dental visits, just like adults. Consistent teeth cleaning and check-ups play a pivotal role in preserving their oral well-being and promoting healthy growth. Through teeth cleaning, we effectively remove plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria, which can lead to cavities, gum issues, persistent bad breath, and impact the development of their permanent teeth. Our kid-friendly hygienists can access areas that may be challenging for children to reach through regular brushing and flossing at home.
Following a thorough cleaning, it’s the ideal moment for our hygienists and dentists to conduct a comprehensive assessment of their overall oral health. This includes identifying any concerns, tracking the progress of new baby teeth, the loss of baby teeth, and the emergence of permanent teeth. We provide guidance on what to watch out for and offer customized tips and techniques for at-home oral care tailored to your child’s specific needs.
Routine pediatric teeth cleanings and check-ups serve several important purposes:
- Maintain the health and strength of both baby teeth and new adult teeth.
- Prevent gum disease and uphold overall oral health.
- Monitor their development and milestones during various stages.
- Foster a positive relationship with the dentist.
- Empower kids to take responsibility for their oral health at home.
- Establish lifelong habits for optimal oral care.
Children's Teeth Cleaning: What to Expect
Before the dental check-up, we carefully review your child’s dental chart and history to quickly identify any potential problem areas or concerning trends. We may also discuss prescribed X-rays or inquire about fluoride treatments or sealants for their new adult teeth. We communicate with your child in a kid-friendly manner, ensuring they feel comfortable, and ask them about their feelings regarding their teeth and mouth. We encourage them to share any questions or concerns they may have.
Gum Health
Gums play a crucial role in supporting your child’s teeth and framing their smile. Maintaining good gum health is particularly vital as permanent teeth emerge, as children are just as susceptible to gum diseases as adults. We take special care in examining the soft tissues of their mouth and provide age-appropriate guidance on flossing and gum care for use at home.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque, a soft and sticky film, begins accumulating on teeth as soon as they erupt. Without regular cleaning, it can harden into stubborn tartar deposits. Both plaque and tartar can lead to tooth decay and are especially challenging to remove from areas between teeth and along the gumline. Our hygienists possess the tools and expertise to delicately remove adhered plaque and tartar from these hard-to-reach places. Following this, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to enhance enamel strength.
Monitoring Developmental Milestones
Our dentist examines your child’s dental chart, reviews any recent X-rays, and focuses on identifying any issues, patterns, or new developments that require monitoring. Children typically acquire their first set of teeth between 6 months and 6 years of age. They gradually lose their baby teeth and receive their permanent adult teeth, which continues into their teenage years (and even later for wisdom teeth). Each child’s development is unique, and our dentist carefully tracks their progress, addressing any concerns or delays as they arise.
Cost of Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning and Exam in Burnaby
Similar to adult dental checkups, routine dental visits for kids are a highly effective way to prevent dental issues, often receiving extensive coverage from most insurance providers. With typical insurance plans, your out-of-pocket expense can range from as low as $0 to around $50 or more per visit. Insurance companies typically cover these checkups every six months, except in special circumstances. For those without dental insurance, the cost can vary, especially for a child’s first appointment or if it’s been a long time since their last visit, typically ranging from $120 to $300 and beyond.
Several factors influence the actual cost of their treatment, including:
- Current Oral Health: The state of their oral health and any existing dental conditions.
- X-rays: Whether new X-rays are necessary for evaluation.
- Additional Treatments: Consideration of fluoride treatments or sealants for their new adult teeth.
- Time Requirements: The duration needed to cater to their specific dental needs by our dental team.
- Equipment and Supplies: The equipment and supplies required to meet all their dental care needs.
It’s important to note that no dentist can provide an exact quote over the phone. If you desire more personalized information or an itemized quote, please feel free to request one from us. Emphasizing routine pediatric dental care for children is paramount. Monitoring the changes in their mouths as they grow and develop is the most effective way to prevent costly and painful complications.
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
Typically, children should begin regular dental check-ups and teeth cleanings by their first birthday or shortly thereafter. This early introduction to dental care helps establish healthy oral hygiene habits and allows the dentist to monitor their dental development.
Yes, most dental insurance plans provide coverage for routine pediatric teeth cleanings and exams. It’s common for insurance companies to cover these check-ups every six months. However, coverage details may vary, so it’s advisable to check with your insurance provider for specific information.
Children should have their teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist every six months, unless special circumstances require more frequent visits. Regular dental cleanings help prevent dental issues and promote overall oral health.
No, teeth cleanings for kids are generally not painful or uncomfortable. Dental hygienists use gentle techniques and specialized tools designed for children to ensure a comfortable experience. It’s essential to create a positive and reassuring atmosphere to help children feel at ease during their appointments.
Dental X-rays may be included in routine teeth cleanings for kids when deemed necessary by the dentist. X-rays help assess dental development, identify potential issues, and ensure comprehensive oral health monitoring. The dentist will recommend X-rays based on your child’s individual needs and age.
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