Exams and dental cleanings are a cornerstone of preventative dental care. They help protect our teeth from plaque buildup, tartar development, cavities, gum disease, and more.
At-home care, like daily brushing and flossing, is undoubtedly essential to maintaining good oral health. However, it’s not always enough to properly clean those hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. Professional dental cleanings at Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry help protect your child’s teeth and gums from disease.
Additionally, regular exams allow your child’s dentist to assess their oral development. To learn more about the benefits of preventive dental care, continue reading.
Why Start Early
Your child’s first dental appointment should be scheduled after their first tooth emerges or by the time they turn one. Early childhood dental care helps your child get used to taking care of their oral health. It also helps protect their teeth and gums from issues like cavities and gum disease.
Additionally, when your child sees their dentist regularly, it allows the dentist to become familiar with their individual smile. Your pediatric dentist can then detect problems early on and treatments can be administered as soon as they arise. This might include anything from small cavities to a baby tooth that is preventing an adult tooth from erupting.
Building Good Habits
As your child starts caring for their teeth on their own, it’s important to teach them the value of regular dental visits. Going to the dentist for exams helps ensure your child develops a good outlook on oral healthcare.
Why Preventative Care Is Important
Whether your child is an infant or a teenager, dental exams and cleanings are essential. This type of preventative care focuses on protecting an already healthy smile in order to avoid expensive, invasive treatments later on.
What to Expect During Your Child’s Dental Exam & Teeth Cleaning
A pediatric dental exam includes a thorough assessment of your child’s teeth, gums, jaw, and oral function. It also includes a teeth cleaning and sometimes dental X-rays.
At Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry, we make sure every patient is comfortable when they sit down in the dental chair. Our staff is always available to answer questions to help your child feel more at ease. We also allow kids to examine the tools we use so they can become familiar with what a dentist does.
Once your child is ready, we explain the process of a dental check-up. We carefully assess their dental health with a thorough inspection of their gums, teeth, jaw, and mouth as a whole. When exams are performed on a regular basis, it ensures minor issues are caught early and developmental concerns are addressed at a young age.
After the exam, we conduct a thorough dental cleaning. This portion of the appointment is a straightforward process that involves cleaning the tooth surfaces and just below the gumline. We begin by gently scraping away dental plaque. Then, we clean, floss, and polish the teeth to remove stains and restore shine.
Dental Cleaning Cost in Chicago
The cost of a dental cleaning is traditionally covered by dental insurance.
Your child should have a dental check-up, which includes a teeth cleaning and exam, every 6 months. If you’re unsure whether or not dental cleanings and exams are covered by your plan, contact your insurance provider.
Dental Deep Cleanings
Deep dental cleanings are far more intensive than traditional teeth cleanings. While regular cleanings are meant to remove surface stains and plaque, deep dental cleanings remove tartar and bacterial buildup below the gumline.
Children rarely need deep dental cleanings to maintain their oral hygiene. However, if a child has gum disease, a deep dental cleaning can be beneficial and may be recommended by their dentist.
Dental Deep Cleaning Cost in Chicago
The cost of a deep dental cleaning should be covered by your dental insurance, just like regular dental cleanings. However, every insurance plan is different and you should check with your provider before scheduling an appointment.
If you don’t have insurance, our team can help you find the best way to cover out-of-pocket expenses. For more information, visit our CareCredit page.
Contact Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry
If you’re looking for a qualified pediatric dentist in Chicago, IL, contact our dental office. We offer comprehensive children’s dental exams in Chicago, which include dental X-rays when necessary.
We are your source for reliable, child-centered dental care. We prioritize patient comfort and focus on keeping appointments simple, straightforward, and pain free. We offer everything from preventive care to dental crowns and urgent care for dental injuries.
Contact Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry to schedule an appointment, your general and emergency pediatric dentist in Chicago.
