
Extra gentle care for their gums and teeth
Children should visit their dentist as regularly as adults. Routine teeth cleaning and examinations are two of the most important steps you can take to protect their oral health and encourage healthy growth. Cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can cause decay, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. These issues may also affect how adult teeth come in. A kid friendly hygienist can reach spaces that are difficult for children to clean with brushing and flossing at home.
After a thorough cleaning, the hygienist and dentist will carefully examine your child’s overall oral health, check for problem areas, monitor baby teeth coming in or falling out, and observe adult teeth settling in their permanent places. We will share what to watch for at home and provide tips tailored to your child’s specific needs.
- Keep baby teeth and new adult teeth healthy and strong
- Prevent gum disease and maintain overall oral health
- Track progress and milestones through many changes
- Build a positive relationship with the dentist
- Empower children to care for their own oral health at home
- Establish good habits that last a lifetime
Routine pediatric teeth cleanings and exams help:
For gentle, expert pediatric dental care, trust a caring Dentist in Burlington, ON to support your child’s healthy smile every step of the way.
What happens during children’s teeth cleaning?
Before the check up, we review your child’s chart and history to spot any problem areas or troubling patterns. We may take prescribed X rays or discuss fluoride treatments or sealants for new adult teeth. We speak to your child in a friendly way to make them comfortable and ask how they feel about their teeth and mouth and if they have questions or concerns.
Gum health
Often overlooked, gums support teeth and frame a child’s smile. Good gum health is vital as permanent teeth arrive. Children are just as vulnerable to gum inflammation as adults. We carefully examine soft tissues and provide age appropriate advice for flossing and gum care at home.
Plaque and tartar removal
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on teeth as soon as they come in. Without regular cleaning, plaque hardens into tartar. Both plaque and tartar cause decay and are especially hard to remove between teeth and along the gumline. A hygienist uses special tools to gently remove stuck on plaque and tartar from these hard to reach spots. After cleaning, we may recommend fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel.
Watching for milestones
The dentist will review your child’s chart and any new X rays, focusing on problem areas, patterns, or new developments. Children get their first teeth between six months and six years. They lose baby teeth and gain permanent teeth through their teens and even later for wisdom teeth. Every child is different. The dentist monitors progress and addresses any concerns or delays.
Cost of a routine pediatric teeth cleaning and exam in Burlington
Like adult cleanings and exams, routine visits for children are a great way to prevent dental problems. Most insurance plans cover these visits almost fully. With insurance, you might pay between zero and fifty dollars. Coverage usually applies every six months except in special cases. Without insurance, expect to pay between one hundred twenty and three hundred dollars or more, especially for first appointments or those after a long break.
- Current oral health
- New X rays that might be needed
- Fluoride treatments or sealants for new teeth
- Time required by the dental team to meet your child’s needs
- Equipment and supplies used during treatment
When determining the cost, we consider:
No dentist can give an exact quote over the phone. For personalized information or an itemized quote, we are happy to provide one upon request. Routine pediatric care is essential. Monitoring all the changes in your child’s mouth is the best way to prevent costly and painful problems.
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
Like adults, children should come every six months for cleaning and check ups unless the dentist advises otherwise. Some visit every three months. We do not recommend waiting longer than a year.
Do not wait. If you have concerns about your child’s teeth or oral health, come in right away so we can address problems while they are still minor.
Young children may not understand or express dental discomfort. Signs include:
- Frequently touching or holding their face or teeth
- Being scared or defensive about having their face or teeth touched
- Swelling, redness, or discolouration of gums, cheeks, or teeth
- Fever with toothache
- Avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks
- Avoiding chewy or hard foods like raw vegetables or chunks of meat
- Chewing only on one side
- Becoming irritable or glum
Most appointments last between thirty minutes and one hour. Appointments may take longer if children have many questions or need extra reassurance and patience.
Start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they appear. Use child friendly and age appropriate toothpaste and toothbrushes. Teach your child about their mouth and encourage brushing twice a day. Fluoride treatments benefit children greatly. You can request fluoride treatments at the dentist and use fluoridated products and water at home. Sugary and acidic foods and drinks like juice and pop promote tooth decay and should be limited, especially before bed. Be a good role model by brushing and flossing your own teeth twice daily.
Your child should wait at least thirty minutes after fluoride treatment before eating or drinking. This waiting period allows the treatment to work before it is washed away by food or drink.