Teeth Cleaning for Kids

Regular dental visits for children are essential to track their oral health progress and prevent potential issues down the road.

Gentle Dental Care for Kids' Healthy Gums and Teeth

Children, like adults, benefit from regular dental visits to maintain their oral health. Routine cleanings and check-ups are vital for ensuring proper development and preventing potential problems. These visits remove plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria that contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and can affect the alignment of their adult teeth. Our child-friendly hygienists are skilled in cleaning hard-to-reach areas that brushing and flossing may miss.

After a thorough cleaning, it’s the perfect time for our dentists and hygienists to examine your child’s overall oral health. This includes monitoring the eruption of baby teeth, ensuring the proper transition to adult teeth, and checking for any areas of concern. We’ll provide you with tailored advice on at-home oral care, specific to your child’s needs.

Routine pediatric dental cleanings and check-ups offer several benefits:

1. Promoting the health of both baby and adult teeth.

2. Preventing gum disease and maintaining overall oral hygiene.

3. Tracking dental growth and milestones.

4. Building a positive relationship with the dentist.

5. Encouraging children to take responsibility for their oral care.

6. Establishing healthy habits for a lifetime of good oral health.

What Happens During Children’s Teeth Cleaning?

Before your child’s appointment, we’ll thoroughly review their medical and dental history to identify any potential concerns or patterns. If necessary, we may suggest X-rays or discuss the benefits of fluoride treatments or sealants for their emerging adult teeth. Our team ensures a child-friendly, calming approach, creating an environment where your child feels comfortable to talk about their teeth and ask any questions.

Gum health

Gums are essential for holding teeth in place and shaping your child’s smile, yet they are often overlooked. Just like adults, children can develop gum diseases that cause inflammation, especially as their permanent teeth begin to emerge. We’ll carefully assess the health of your child’s gums and offer simple, age-appropriate tips for flossing and gum care to promote their health at home.

Plaque & tartar removal

Plaque starts forming on teeth as soon as they appear. If not properly removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which can lead to tooth decay. Plaque and tartar are especially tricky to remove from between teeth and along the gumline. Our hygienists are trained to remove these build-ups carefully, even in difficult-to-reach areas. After cleaning, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to help strengthen their enamel.

Watching for milestones

At each visit, the dentist will review your child’s dental records, including recent X-rays, to monitor their development and spot any areas that require attention. Children typically begin to get their first teeth between 6 months and 6 years, and they will gradually lose baby teeth as their permanent teeth come in. The transition continues through the teenage years, with some children even getting wisdom teeth later. Since every child’s dental timeline is unique, we track their progress closely and address any delays or concerns as they arise.

Save Money in the Long Run

Investing in preventive care now can save you significant amounts of money in the future. Fluoride treatments and dental sealants are relatively inexpensive compared to the costs associated with treating advanced tooth decay and other dental issues. By preventing cavities and maintaining strong enamel, you reduce the need for more costly dental work, ensuring your oral health stays in top condition without breaking the bank.

Cost Of A Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning And Exam In San Diego

Regular dental checkups for children, much like those for adults, are key in preventing future oral health issues. Most insurance plans cover routine exams nearly in full, with out-of-pocket expenses typically ranging from $0 to $50. Insurance coverage is generally offered every six months, except in specific cases. Without dental insurance, you can expect to pay between $120 and $300, especially for your child’s first visit or after a long time since their last appointment.

The total cost for your child’s treatment is influenced by factors such as:

• The state of their current oral health

• Any new X-rays that may be needed

• The inclusion of fluoride treatments or sealants for new adult teeth

• The time required for the dental team to address your child’s needs

• Necessary equipment and supplies for the procedure

Since an exact price can’t be given over the phone, we’re happy to provide a more detailed or itemized quote upon request. Regular pediatric dental visits are vital for monitoring changes in your child’s oral development, helping to avoid costly or painful dental issues later on.