Teeth Cleaning For Kids In Waterdown
Routine pediatric dental care monitors their oral health developments and helps prevent future problems.
Extra Gentle Care For Their Gums And Teeth
Children should visit their dentist as routinely as adults. Routine teeth cleaning and examinations are two of the most critical steps you can take to preserve their oral health and encourage healthy development. Cleaning their teeth removes plaque, tartar and bacteria that can cause decay, gum disease, chronic bad breath and which may affect how their adult teeth come in. A kid-friendly hygienist is able to get into spaces that arenât easy for kids to reach with routine brushing and flossing at home.
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After a thorough cleaning is the perfect time for the hygienist and dentist to closely examine their overall oral health, problem areas, baby teeth that may be coming in or falling out, and adult teeth that are finding their permanent home. We will let you know what to watch out for and give you some tips and tricks for oral care at home that are tailored to your childâs specific needs.
Routine pediatric teeth cleanings and exams help:
- Keep their baby teeth and new adult teeth as healthy and as strong as possible.
- Prevent gum disease and maintain their overall oral health.
- Monitor their progress and milestones through many changes.
- Establish a positive relationship with the dentist.
- Empowers kids to take care of their own oral health at home.
What Happens During Childrenâs Teeth Cleaning?
Dental fillings are the most common procedure performed in our office. They repair and restore the tooth and help prevent painful decay or infection that would require more serious work. We use composite resin fillings that are colour matched to your tooth. Unlike amalgam (metal fillings), tooth-coloured composite resin bonds really well with the tooth and is capable of filling much smaller spaces which means less drilling!
Gum health
Often under-appreciated, gums support your childâs teeth and frame their smile. Good gum health is essential when the permanent teeth are coming in and children are just as susceptible to inflammatory gum diseases as adults. We will take special care examining the soft tissues of their mouth and give them age-appropriate advice for flossing and gum care at home.
Plaque & tartar removal
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that starts accumulating on teeth as soon as they come in. If plaque is not routinely cleaned away it can harden into tartar deposits. Plaque and tartar lead to tooth decay and can be especially hard to remove between teeth and at the gumline. A hygienist has the tools and know-how to gently scale away stuck-on plaque and tartar from those hard-to-reach places. With all that out of the way, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen their enamel.
Watching for milestones
The dentist will check out your childâs chart and any new Xrays and zero in on any problem areas, troubling patterns or new developments to monitor. Children will typically get their first set of teeth between the ages of 6 months and 6 years. They will slowly lose their baby teeth and get their permanent adult teeth all the way up into their teens (and even later for wisdom teeth!) Every child is different. The dentist will monitor their progress and will address any concerns or delays they spot.
Cost Of A Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning And Exam In Waterdown
Just like with adult teeth cleanings and exams, routine checkups for kids are such a great way to prevent and avoid dental problems that most insurance companies will nearly completely cover them on a routine basis. With typical insurance, you might expect to pay as low as $0 to $50 (or more). Insurance companies typically provide coverage every 6 months except in special circumstances. If you are without dental insurance, you can expect to pay anywhere from $120 to $300 and up, especially for their first appointment or for the first appointment in a long time.
When we determine the actual cost of their treatment we refer to a few important factors:
- Their current oral health.
- New Xrays that might be required.
- Fluoride treatment or sealants for new adult teeth.
- The amount of time required by the dental team to meet their specific needs.
- The equipment and supplies that will be needed to serve all their needs.
Remember, no dentist can give you an exact quote over the phone. If you would like more personalized information or an itemized quote, we would be happy to provide you with one upon request. We canât state enough how important it is to provide children with routine pediatric dental care. Monitoring all of the changes happening to their mouths as they grow and develop is the most effective way to prevent costly and painful complications.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should children have their teeth cleaned?
Just like for adults, we would normally recommend coming in every 6 months to get their teeth cleaned and have a checkup unless otherwise recommended by the dentist. Some people come as often as every 3 months. We would strongly recommend waiting no longer than a year.
I'm worried about my child's teeth but it's not time for my next checkup. What do I do?
Donât wait. If you have any concerns about your childâs teeth or oral health itâs best to come in right away so we can address any issues while theyâre still minor.
How can I tell if my child has dental pain or sensitivity?
Young children have no frame of reference for whatâs an acceptable amount of discomfort. Some kids just try to cope and wonât speak up on their own. Your child might be experiencing discomfort or pain if you notice the following:
1.Excessive touching or cupping of their face and teeth.
2.Defensive or scared to let others near their face and teeth.
3.Swelling, redness or discolouration of the gums, cheeks and teeth.
4.Some children run a fever if they have a toothache.
5.Avoiding hot and cold foods and drinks
6.Avoiding chewy or hard foods like raw veggies and chunks of meat.
7.Only chewing on one side of their mouth.
8.Children often become irritable and glum if theyâre experiencing dental pain.
How long does a children's teeth cleaning take?
Most appointments last between thirty minutes to an hour. Dental appointments can take longer if children have lots of questions or for anxious children who need plenty of reassurance and gentle patience.