Understanding Children's Dental Care
Regular dental visits are vital for maintaining strong oral health and supporting proper dental development in children. These visits include cleaning teeth to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria, preventing tooth decay and gum disease. They also help monitor the alignment and health of emerging adult teeth.
Child-friendly hygienists focus on areas children may overlook during their at-home routine, ensuring thorough cleanings and evaluations. These visits are essential for monitoring the health of both baby and adult teeth and for detecting potential issues early.
Key Benefits of Regular Child Dental Visits:
- Strengthening and safeguarding both baby and adult teeth.
- Preventing gum disease and supporting comprehensive oral health.
- Monitoring dental growth and adjusting care as needed.
- Easing dental anxiety by fostering a positive relationship with the dental team.
- Teaching children essential oral care habits for lifelong health.
- Detecting dental issues early to avoid more serious complications.
- Encouraging proper nutrition to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Regular dental check-ups are crucial for establishing healthy habits early, promoting both long-term dental and overall health in children.
What Happens During Children’s Teeth Cleaning?
We begin by reviewing your child’s dental history to spot any potential issues. X-rays may be taken, and we’ll discuss fluoride treatments or sealants for emerging adult teeth. Throughout the visit, we engage your child in a friendly, approachable manner, asking about their oral health and encouraging them to share any concerns or questions.
Gum health
Gums play a crucial role in supporting your child’s teeth and shaping their smile. Healthy gums are especially important as permanent teeth emerge, and children can be just as prone to gum disease as adults. We carefully examine the soft tissues of the mouth and provide age-appropriate guidance on flossing and gum care at home.
Plaque & tartar removal
Plaque is a sticky film that starts forming on teeth as soon as they erupt. If left untreated, it can harden into tartar, leading to tooth decay, especially in areas like between teeth and at the gumline. Our hygienists use specialized tools to carefully remove plaque and tartar from these hard-to-reach spots. Once removed, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to further protect and strengthen your child’s enamel.
Watching for milestones
The dentist will review your child’s chart and any recent X-rays to identify potential issues, patterns, or developments that need attention. Children usually get their first set of teeth between 6 months and 6 years and gradually lose their baby teeth while their permanent teeth emerge, often continuing into their teens. Each child’s dental development is unique, and the dentist will monitor their progress, addressing any concerns or delays along the way.
Cost of a Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning and Exam in Baton Rouge
Routine pediatric check-ups are an effective way to prevent dental issues, and most insurance plans cover them fully or with minimal out-of-pocket costs, typically ranging from $0 to $50. Coverage is usually provided every 6 months. Without insurance, the cost can range from $120 to $300 or more, especially for the first visit or after a long gap.
- When we determine the actual cost of their treatment we refer to a few important factors:
- Current oral health status.
- Need for new X-rays.
- Fluoride treatments or sealants for new adult teeth.
- Time required by the dental team to address specific needs.
- Equipment and supplies necessary for treatment.
Please note that providing an exact quote over the phone isn’t possible. However, we are happy to offer a personalized, itemized estimate upon request. We cannot stress enough how crucial routine pediatric dental care is for your child. Keeping track of their dental development as they grow is the most effective way to avoid more serious, costly, and painful issues 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 children have their teeth cleaned and checked every 6 months, unless the dentist advises otherwise. Some may need to visit every 3 months, but no longer than a year between visits is recommended.
Don’t wait. If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth or oral health, it’s best to schedule an appointment right away so we can address any issues early, before they become more serious.
Young children may not know how to express discomfort, so they might try to cope without speaking up. Look for signs of dental pain or sensitivity, such as:
- Frequently touching or cupping their face and teeth.
- Being defensive or hesitant to let others near their mouth.
- Swelling, redness, or discoloration in the gums, cheeks, or teeth.
- Running a fever, which can occur with a toothache.
- Avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Steering clear of chewy or hard foods like raw vegetables or meat.
- Only chewing on one side of the mouth.
Children in pain often become irritable or withdrawn, so watch for changes in their mood or behavior.
Most children’s teeth cleanings take between 30 minutes to an hour. The appointment may take longer if your child has many questions or if they are anxious and need extra reassurance and care.
- Begin cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they appear, using child-friendly, age-appropriate toothpaste and toothbrushes.
- Teach your child the importance of oral hygiene and encourage them to brush twice daily, making it a fun, consistent habit.
- Request fluoride treatments at the dentist, and use fluoride toothpaste and water at home to help strengthen teeth.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, such as soda and juice, to prevent tooth decay.
- Avoid sweet treats before bed to reduce the risk of cavities while they sleep.
- Lead by example—brush and floss your own
After a fluoride treatment, your child should wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking to allow the fluoride to fully absorb.
