Extra Gentle Care for Their Gums and Teeth
Regular dental visits, including cleanings and exams, are crucial for children’s oral health. These cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can lead to decay, gum disease, bad breath, and impact the development of adult teeth. Our kid-friendly hygienist ensures a thorough clean, reaching areas that may be missed by brushing and flossing at home.
After cleaning, the hygienist and dentist will assess your child’s oral health, check baby teeth and adult teeth, and offer guidance on at-home care.
Routine pediatric cleanings and exams help:
- Keep baby and adult teeth healthy and strong
- Prevent gum disease and maintain overall oral health
- Monitor dental development and milestones
- Build a positive relationship with the dentist
- Encourage proper oral care at home
- Promote lifelong healthy dental habits
What Happens During Children’s Teeth Cleaning?
Before the check-up, we review your child’s chart to identify any potential issues. Depending on their needs, we may take X-rays or discuss fluoride treatments and sealants for new adult teeth. Our team ensures a friendly, approachable environment, encouraging your child to ask questions and share any concerns about their oral health.
Gum Health
Healthy gums are essential for supporting your child’s teeth, especially as permanent teeth emerge. We examine the soft tissues of the mouth and provide age-appropriate tips for flossing and maintaining gum health at home, helping prevent gum disease.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque begins to form on teeth as soon as they emerge, and if not cleaned away, it can harden into tartar, leading to decay. Our hygienist uses special tools to gently remove plaque and tartar, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. Afterward, a fluoride treatment may be recommended to strengthen your child’s enamel.
Watching for Milestones
The dentist reviews your child’s chart and any new X-rays, focusing on their dental development. As children lose baby teeth and grow permanent ones, the dentist tracks their progress, addressing any concerns or delays. Every child’s dental development is unique, and we make sure to monitor each stage closely.
Cost of a Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning and Exam in Calgary
Just like adult cleanings, regular dental checkups for kids are essential in preventing dental issues, and most insurance companies cover them almost entirely. With insurance, you can expect to pay between $0 to $50, typically every 6 months. If you don’t have insurance, the cost ranges from $120 to $300 or more, especially for the first appointment or if it’s been a while since the last visit.
When determining the cost of your child’s dental care, we consider several factors:
- Their current oral health status
- The need for X-rays
- Whether fluoride treatments or sealants for new adult teeth are recommended
- The time required by our dental team
- The necessary equipment and supplies
While we can’t provide an exact quote over the phone, we are happy to offer a personalized estimate or itemized quote upon request. Routine dental care is crucial for your child’s oral health, helping us monitor their development and catch any potential issues early to avoid more costly treatments later on.
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 recommend bringing your child in every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup, just like adults, unless the dentist advises a different schedule. While some patients may opt for visits every 3 months, it’s important not to wait longer than a year between appointments.
Don’t wait—if you’re concerned about your child’s teeth or oral health, it’s best to schedule an appointment right away. Addressing issues early allows us to treat any problems while they’re still minor.
Young children may have difficulty expressing dental discomfort, and some may try to cope without mentioning it. Signs that your child might be experiencing dental pain or sensitivity include:
- Frequently touching or cupping their face and teeth
- Being defensive or anxious about anyone approaching their mouth
- Swelling, redness, or discolouration of the gums, cheeks, or teeth
- Developing a fever, which can sometimes indicate a toothache
- Avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks
- Steering clear of chewy or hard foods like raw vegetables or chunks of meat
- Chewing primarily on one side of the mouth
- Showing irritability or sadness without a clear reason
A typical teeth cleaning for children takes about 30 minutes to an hour. However, the appointment may take longer if your child has many questions or if they are anxious and require extra reassurance and gentle care.
- Start cleaning their teeth as soon as they come in, using age-appropriate toothpaste and brushes.
- Teach them about oral health and encourage brushing twice daily.
- Request fluoride treatments at the dentist and use fluoride-based products and water at home.
- Limit sugary or acidic foods and drinks, like juice and soda.
- Avoid sweet snacks, especially before bed.
- Set a positive example by brushing and flossing your own teeth regularly.
It’s best for your child to wait at least 30 minutes after a fluoride treatment before eating or drinking. This allows the fluoride to properly absorb and provide maximum benefit without being washed away too soon.
