Kids Cleanings

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits help us monitor development, catch potential issues early, and—most importantly—help your child get comfortable with the dentist before any treatment is ever needed.

We take a “tell-show-do” approach: we explain what we’re going to do in simple terms, show them the tools we’ll use, and then gently proceed. We never rush, and if a child needs a break, that’s perfectly okay. Building trust is more important than completing every step in one visit. Parents are always welcome to stay in the room.

Yes. Digital dental X-rays use a very small amount of radiation—far less than older film X-rays. We only take X-rays when clinically necessary, such as to check for cavities between teeth or to monitor jaw development. Lead aprons and thyroid collars are always used for extra protection.

Most children should have a professional cleaning and exam every six months. This keeps their teeth clean, allows us to monitor development, and reinforces good oral hygiene habits. Some children may benefit from more frequent visits depending on their cavity risk or other factors.

Fluoride is one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities in children. It strengthens tooth enamel and can even reverse very early stages of decay. Professional fluoride treatments are quick, painless, and applied as a varnish during the cleaning visit. We recommend them for most children as part of their preventive care.

Children generally need help brushing until around age 6 to 8, when they have the dexterity to do a thorough job. Before that, parents should brush for younger children and supervise older ones. A good rule of thumb: if they can tie their shoes, they can probably brush effectively on their own (but spot-checking is still a good idea).

Many dental insurance plans cover children’s preventive cleanings at little to no cost, though coverage varies by plan. Without insurance, a child’s cleaning and exam typically costs between $80 and $150. Our Healthy Smiles membership plan also includes kids’ cleanings at a discounted rate for families without dental insurance.