Extra Gentle Care for Their Gums and Teeth
Routine teeth cleanings and exams are essential for your child’s oral health and development. Cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that cause decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Our kid-friendly hygienists ensure that areas difficult for children to reach are cleaned properly.
After cleaning, the hygienist and dentist will examine your child’s oral health, monitor baby teeth and adult teeth, and provide personalized tips for at-home care.
Routine pediatric cleanings and exams help:
- Keep baby and adult teeth strong and healthy
- Prevent gum disease and maintain overall oral health
- Track progress through oral health milestones
- Build a positive relationship with the dentist
- Empower children to take responsibility for their oral health
- Establish healthy habits for life
What Happens During Children’s Teeth Cleaning?
Before the check-up, we review your child’s chart and history to identify any concerns or patterns. We may take X-rays, discuss fluoride treatment or sealants, and speak with your child in a kid-friendly way to ensure they feel comfortable and engaged.
Gum Health
Healthy gums are crucial for supporting your child’s teeth and smile. We’ll examine the gums carefully and provide tips for flossing and gum care at home, emphasizing the importance of gum health as their permanent teeth come in.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque forms on teeth soon after they come in and can harden into tartar, leading to tooth decay. Our hygienist uses specialized tools to gently remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas, often recommending a fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel.
Watching for Milestones
The dentist will review your child’s X-rays and progress, keeping an eye on tooth development and addressing any concerns. Children typically get their first set of teeth by age 6 and will gradually lose baby teeth and grow adult teeth throughout their childhood and teens. We’ll monitor these milestones and ensure everything is on track.
Cost of a Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning and Exam in Meridian
Just like adult cleanings, routine checkups for kids are a great way to prevent dental problems, and most insurance plans cover them nearly completely on a regular basis. With typical insurance, out-of-pocket costs will be around $0, with coverage typically provided every 6 months. Without insurance, the cost for pediatric cleanings is usually between $80 – $100, particularly for first visits or after a long gap.
The final cost depends on:
- Your child’s oral health
- Whether X-rays are needed
- Fluoride treatment or sealants for new adult teeth
- The time required for the dental team to meet your child’s needs
- The equipment and supplies used
Keep in mind that no dentist can provide an exact quote over the phone. We’d be happy to give you a personalized estimate upon request. Routine pediatric dental care is crucial for monitoring your child’s oral development and preventing costly or painful complications in the future.
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 a check-up and teeth cleaning every 6 months, just like adults. Some children may need more frequent visits, especially if recommended by the dentist. We suggest not waiting longer than a year between appointments.
Don’t wait! If you notice any concerns about your child’s teeth or oral health, schedule an appointment as soon as possible to address issues while they’re still minor.
Children may not always express discomfort. Look for signs like:
- Touching or rubbing their face or teeth
- Swelling or discoloration of the gums or teeth
- Avoiding hot, cold, chewy, or hard foods
- Only chewing on one side of the mouth
- Becoming irritable or reluctant to let others near their mouth
Most cleanings take between 30 minutes and an hour, but the appointment could take longer for children who are anxious or have many questions.
Start cleaning their teeth as soon as they come in, using child-friendly toothpaste and a toothbrush. Help them brush twice a day and avoid sugary or acidic foods. Fluoride treatments at the dentist and fluoride products at home will also help keep their teeth strong.
After a fluoride treatment, your child should wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This ensures the fluoride has time to fully absorb into the enamel for maximum benefit.
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