Extra Gentle Care for Their Gums and Teeth
Children need regular dental visits just like adults. Routine cleanings and exams are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and supporting proper oral development. Professional cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can cause cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and even affect how adult teeth come in. A kid-friendly hygienist can also reach areas that are difficult for children to clean thoroughly with brushing and flossing at home.
After the cleaning, the hygienist and dentist will assess your child’s overall oral health, check on the development of baby and adult teeth, and monitor how their bite and smile are progressing. We’ll also share personalized tips to help you support your child’s oral health at home.
Routine pediatric teeth cleanings and exams help to:
- Keep baby and adult teeth healthy and strong
- Prevent gum disease and promote overall oral health
- Track growth milestones as their mouth changes
- Build a positive, comfortable relationship with the dentist
- Empower kids to take an active role in their oral care
- Lay the foundation for lifelong healthy habits
What Happens During Children’s Teeth Cleaning?
Before the appointment, we review your child’s chart and dental history to spot any concerns or patterns. Depending on their needs, we may recommend X-rays or talk about fluoride treatments and sealants for new adult teeth. We also use kid-friendly language throughout the visit and encourage your child to ask questions and share any concerns they may have.
Gum Health
Healthy gums are key to a strong, beautiful smile. As permanent teeth come in, it’s important to keep gums healthy — children can experience gum inflammation just like adults. During the exam, we carefully check the soft tissues and share age-appropriate flossing and gum care tips to keep their smile on track.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque forms on teeth shortly after they appear, and if not removed, it can harden into tartar and lead to decay. Our hygienist gently removes plaque and tartar, especially around the gumline and between teeth. After cleaning, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen their enamel and further protect against cavities.
Watching for Milestones
We closely monitor your child’s dental development by reviewing their chart, X-rays, and oral exam findings. From the eruption of baby teeth to the arrival of adult teeth (and eventually wisdom teeth later on), we track progress carefully and address any issues or delays early, helping to keep their oral health on the right path.
Cost of a Routine Pediatric Teeth Cleaning and Exam in Wake Forest
Routine dental checkups for kids are highly preventive, just like adult cleanings, and are often covered almost entirely by insurance. With dental insurance, your out-of-pocket cost may range from $0 to $40 (or more), with coverage typically available every six months. Without insurance, the cost for a routine cleaning and exam generally ranges from $100 to $120 or more, especially if it’s your child’s first visit or if they haven’t had a cleaning in a while.
Several factors influence the cost of your child’s dental care, including:
- Their current oral health
- Any new X-rays that may be needed
- Fluoride treatments or sealants for new adult teeth
- The time and attention required by our dental team
- The equipment and materials used during their care
While it’s not possible to provide an exact quote over the phone, we’re happy to offer a personalized assessment and detailed estimate after evaluating your child’s needs.
Keeping up with regular pediatric dental visits is one of the best ways to protect your child’s smile — and can help prevent painful, costly dental problems 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 bringing your child in for a cleaning and checkup every six months, just like adults. In some cases, more frequent visits—every three months—may be advised. It’s best not to wait longer than a year between appointments.
If you have concerns about your child’s teeth or gums, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment as soon as possible so we can catch and address any issues early.
Children may not always tell you when something feels wrong. Watch for signs like:
- Touching or holding their face or teeth
- Avoiding hot, cold, chewy, or hard foods
- Redness, swelling, or color changes around their gums or cheeks
- Chewing on one side of the mouth
- Increased irritability or mood changes
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule a dental checkup.
A typical cleaning and exam take about 30 minutes to an hour. It may take a little longer if your child has questions or needs extra time to feel comfortable.
Start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they appear.
- Use age-appropriate toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste
- Help them brush twice a day until they can manage on their own
- Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks
- Encourage healthy snacking habits
- Set a good example by brushing and flossing daily yourself
Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments and ways to support strong, healthy teeth at home.
After a fluoride treatment, your child should wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This gives the fluoride enough time to fully absorb and strengthen the teeth.
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