Dental Checkups for Kids in Aurora, CO

There are many ways you can play an active role in maintaining your child’s oral health. Having your child’s teeth cleaned in our office every six months is an excellent place to start. Our hygienists and dentists identify plaque and problem areas before thoroughly cleaning your child’s teeth, providing information to help support a happy, healthy smile.

Why is it important to have consistent teeth cleanings and checkups?

Routine checkups are an essential part of proper oral hygiene. Some of the benefits of regular teeth cleanings include:

  • Healthier teeth, bones, and gums.
  • Longer-lasting teeth.
  • Early detection and treatment of oral health conditions.
  • Beautiful, healthy smiles.

What happens if you miss teeth cleanings?

Failure to keep up with proper oral hygiene can lead to:

  • An impaired ability to eat and digest foods, leading to nutritional and systemic problems.
  • Bad breath resulting from advancing periodontal disease and/or trapped food particles.
  • Negative effects on overall health.
  • Gum infection and other oral health concerns.

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Checkup

Our dental cleaning appointments are about an hour long, and new patient visits typically last a bit longer. We take pride in getting to know each of our patients and tailoring treatment to their individual oral health needs. Here’s what to expect the first time your child visits our office:

  • Dental History — A hygienist will gather your child’s dental and medical history so we have a clear picture of their current health, including any medical conditions that could affect dental treatment.
  • Digital X-rays — We may take digital X-rays as diagnostic material for a comprehensive oral exam. If your child has had X-rays taken within the last 12 months, please have them sent to our office. If your child is unable to have X-rays taken, please inform the hygienist during the health history review.
  • Oral Screening and Teeth Exam — We examine your child’s mouth and teeth for signs of tooth decay and other oral health concerns.
  • Gum Evaluation and Teeth Cleaning — Our hygienist will evaluate your child’s gums and clean their teeth by identifying and removing areas of plaque, tartar, and calculus buildup.
  • Oral Hygiene Habits — We end the visit by reviewing and reinforcing healthy oral hygiene habits for growing smiles.

Proper Oral Hygiene: How to Prevent Tooth Decay

There are several simple and affordable ways to help prevent tooth decay, one of the most common chronic childhood health conditions.

  • Brush twice and floss once daily.
  • Have dental cleanings and checkups twice a year.
  • Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
  • Ask your dentist whether fluoride supplements are appropriate for your child.
  • Ask your dentist about additional preventive treatments and recommendations.

Pediatric Dental Cleanings

When your child comes in for a cleaning, the dental hygienist identifies and removes plaque, a soft film that can be removed by brushing, and tartar, hardened plaque that requires dental instruments for removal. We make every effort to clean all tooth surfaces, including the small spaces between teeth and along the gumline where bacteria can collect.

We often complete the cleaning with prophy paste. Its coarse quality helps remove any remaining plaque as it dissolves into a finer texture, leaving teeth shiny and smooth. We also point out any areas where plaque and tartar tend to build up so you and your child can give those spots extra attention when brushing and flossing at home. Our goal is to help establish healthy oral hygiene habits that last a lifetime.

Are there different kinds of teeth cleanings?

No. Prophylaxis, a professional dental cleaning, is the standard preventive cleaning recommended every six months.

The procedures that are sometimes called “cleanings” are actually periodontal treatments:

  • Full Mouth Debridement — A pre-cleaning for those with severe calculus buildup.
  • Scaling and Root Planing — A deep cleaning for those with early stages of gum disease.
  • Perio Maintenance — A periodontal cleaning for those with a history of gum disease.

The Cost of Teeth Cleaning

Most dental insurance policies include benefits that cover routine teeth cleanings. Maintaining good oral hygiene now can help prevent more serious and costly dental problems in the future. Every family’s budget is different, and we are happy to discuss your options. During a consultation, we will review any anticipated costs and help you understand your insurance benefits. Our main objective is to help your child enjoy a successful oral health experience and a healthy smile for years to come.