High-quality children's dental care is absolutely essential for your little one as they grow. Routine dental visits help reduce the risk of cavities, ensure that your child's oral development is on track, and also helps build better oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.
That’s why kids need to get pediatric teeth cleanings every six months. At each visit to SuperKids Pediatric Dentistry, we do our best to make cleanings comfortable and fun for kids. And with our education-focused approach, we help kids learn more about the importance of both dental visits and at-home oral hygiene.
A pediatric dental cleaning is pretty much the same as an adult cleaning. A dental hygienist will check your child’s teeth, then use a scaling tool to remove any plaque or tartar from their teeth. Then, they will polish their smile with a high-powered brush and finish up by flossing to remove any remaining debris.
Then, your little one will get an oral exam from their pediatric dentist. This is always part of a teeth cleaning. During this exam, their dentist will check their mouth for signs of cavities and gum disease, make sure their oral development is on track, and provide tips and feedback that you and your little one can use to maintain better oral hygiene at home.
Pediatric teeth cleanings are important for kids of all ages. By bringing your child into our office for routine cleanings, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:
Every child needs to get teeth cleanings, with a typical treatment interval of six months, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). However, some kids may need more frequent care.
Children with weak enamel, for example, may require cleanings and exams every three months to make sure their teeth stay healthy and cavity-free. If your child needs more frequent cleanings, our team will discuss this with you during your visit.
If you’re looking for a dentist to provide pediatric teeth cleanings near you in the DC area, you may not be sure what to expect. Below, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to the process.
If your child is nervous about their visit, we recommend checking out some library books about dentistry and watching some educational YouTube videos to help them become more familiar with what will happen during their visit.
We also recommend booking visits in the morning, if possible, when your child will be alert and less likely to be tired or cranky. Bringing a favorite toy or comfort item can also help your child feel a little less scared before their visit!
Not all kids need X-rays. Based on their age, dental records, and other factors, our team will let you know if X-rays are necessary. At SuperKids Pediatric Dentistry, we use digital X-rays and make the process super comfortable for kids!
Next, your child’s dental hygienist will check their teeth to make sure they're healthy enough for a cleaning. Then, they will gently remove plaque and tartar buildup with a scaling tool. The next step is to polish their teeth with a gritty toothpaste and a rubber cup polisher.
Then, your little one will have their teeth flossed to remove any remaining plaque, tartar, or other debris. Depending on their unique needs, we may also apply a fluoride treatment to their teeth at this time.
Teeth cleanings always happen alongside oral exams. Once your child’s mouth is clean, their pediatric dentist will review their X-rays and perform a comprehensive exam to look for cavities, gum disease, and any other issues with their smile.
Your child’s dentist will let you know if they’ve found any issues that require further treatment. At this time, you can also get guidance about at-home oral hygiene, diet, and anything else your child needs to maintain a healthy smile. Then, you and your little one will be sent home!
When it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, professional teeth cleanings are only part of the puzzle. You also need to set your child up for success at home by helping them build healthy dental habits, such as:
Need a gentle, friendly, and welcoming dentist for kids in the DC area? SuperKids Pediatric Dentistry is where you want to be. We're pediatric dental specialists, which means our dentists exclusively treat kids.
We understand that dentistry can be intimidating, which is why we offer gentle, compassionate care in a welcoming and child-friendly environment. Our team also has extensive training on how to deal with children who have dental anxiety or who have special needs, as well as sedation options available to keep kids calm and relaxed, when needed.
The cost of teeth cleanings and oral exams in the Washington, DC area varies depending on the dentist, their location, and a variety of other factors. The typical range is between $100 and $200, though additional costs may apply for things like X-rays.
If you’re looking for affordable pediatric dentistry in the Washington, DC metro area, SuperKids Pediatric Dentistry is here to help! Teeth cleanings, oral exams, and X-rays are covered by dental insurance plans. Most plans also offer coverage for fluoride treatments and may even cover dental sealants for kids.
We accept most insurance plans, so we’d be happy to help you get the most out of your benefits and keep your child’s teeth healthy. And if you’re on a tight budget, we offer financing plans to help you split the cost of treatment into monthly installments. Get in touch with our team for more details!
If you’ve been looking for a kids dentist near me in the Washington, DC metro area, SuperKids Pediatric Dentistry is where you want to be. With offices in Potomac, Alexandria, Sterling, Rockville, and Mt. Vernon, we’re conveniently located throughout the entire region.
So don’t wait. See the difference that seeing pediatric dental specialists can make for your child! Contact us online to book your little one’s first visit, enjoy stress-free pediatric care, and make sure your little one is set up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
We can’t wait to meet you! Contact one of our five convenient locations around the DC area.
