Special TLC for Tiny Teeth
Regular dental visits are essential for kids, just like they are for adults. Professional cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can lead to cavities, gum issues, and bad breath. Our skilled hygienists make sure to reach tricky spots that little ones may miss while brushing and flossing. If cavities are found during the visit, our team can treat them with a gentle composite filling to keep tiny teeth healthy.
After the cleaning, our gentle dentist and hygienist assesses your child’s dental health, checking baby teeth, monitoring adult teeth, and spotting potential concerns. We’ll keep you informed and provide personalized tips to support at-home care.
- Maintain strong, healthy teeth as they grow.
- Prevent gum problems for a healthier smile.
- Track dental development and milestones.
- Feel comfortable and confident with their dentist.
- Learn to take charge of their oral hygiene.
- Build lasting habits for lifelong oral health.
Routine checkups help kids:
A Parent's Guide: What Happens During Your Child's Dental Cleaning
We start by reviewing your child’s dental history to identify any patterns or concerns. Depending on their needs, we may take X-rays or discuss preventive treatments like fluoride or sealants to protect emerging adult teeth. Our team also engages with kids in a friendly, easy-to-understand way, making sure they feel comfortable and heard.
The Importance of Gum Health
Healthy gums play a vital role in keeping teeth strong and stable. Kids are also at risk for gum issues, especially as permanent teeth come in. That’s why we thoroughly examine the soft tissues in their mouth and provide flossing and gum care tips tailored to their age.
Bye-Bye Plaque & Tartar
Plaque starts forming as soon as teeth appear, and if not removed, it hardens into tartar. Both can lead to cavities and are tough to clean from tight spaces between teeth and along the gumline. Our hygienists use precise techniques and professional tools to gently clear away plaque and tartar buildup. Afterward, we may recommend a fluoride treatment for extra enamel protection.
Tracking Milestones
Every stage of your child’s dental growth is important, from the arrival of baby teeth to the transition to adult ones. We monitor their progress with charts and X-rays, checking for any delays, developments, or concerns. No two kids are the same, and we ensure their dental care reflects their unique needs.
Cost of a routine pediatric teeth cleaning and exam in Midlothian
Just like with adult teeth cleanings and exams, routine checkups for kids are such a great way to prevent and avoid dental problems that most insurance companies will nearly completely cover them on a routine basis. With typical insurance, you might expect to pay as low as $0 to $50 (or more). Insurance companies typically provide coverage every 6 months except in special circumstances. If you are without dental insurance, you can expect to pay anywhere from $120 to $300 and up, especially for their first appointment or for the first appointment in a long time.
- Their current oral health.
- New Xrays that might be required.
- Fluoride treatment or sealants for new adult teeth.
- The amount of time required by the dental team to meet their specific needs.
- The equipment and supplies that will be needed to serve all their needs.
When we determine the actual cost of their treatment we refer to a few important factors:
Remember, no dentist can give you an exact quote over the phone. If you would like more personalized information or an itemized quote, we would be happy to provide you with one upon request. We can’t state enough how important it is to provide children with routine pediatric dental care. Monitoring all of the changes happening to their mouths as they grow and develop is the most effective way to prevent costly and painful complications.
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
Children should visit the dentist by their first birthday, with initial appointments focused on education. Professional cleanings typically begin around age 3.
Routine cleanings every six months are generally recommended, though the frequency may vary depending on your child’s specific dental needs.
Most insurance plans include coverage for routine cleanings, but it’s best to check with your provider beforehand to confirm the details.
Fluoride treatments help strengthen enamel and prevent cavities, though their necessity depends on your child’s risk of tooth decay.
Yes, modern dental X-rays use minimal radiation and are considered safe. They are only taken when needed to assess oral health.
Using positive language to explain the visit can help ease anxiety. Practicing at home or watching child-friendly videos can also make the experience more familiar.
If decay is found, the dentist will discuss available treatment options, which may include fillings or other restorative solutions.
In most cases, fasting isn’t necessary, but having them brush their teeth beforehand is a good practice.
Once the cleaning is complete, the dentist will review your child’s oral health, discuss any necessary treatments, and provide personalized home care guidance.
What Our Patients Are Saying
For more than 15 years, we've earned our 5-star reputation as one of the most trusted dental care providers for residents of Midlothian, North Chesterfield, Bon Air & the Greater Richmond area. We love our patients, and it seems they love us too!
- Google reviews
- Video testimonials
New Patients Are Welcome
Hawkins Family Dentistry
- Monday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Thursday: 7:00am - 2:00pm
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Midlothian, VA, USA,
23113