Pediatric Dental Cleanings

At Novato Children's Dentistry, we believe every child deserves a strong foundation for lifelong oral health. That’s why our kids dental cleanings are designed to be thorough, gentle, and engaging. We take pride in creating an environment where dental care feels positive and approachable for children of all ages.

Whether it’s their first visit or a routine appointment, our skilled team, led by Dr. Espinosa and Dr. DeSimini, ensures every child receives personalized care in a fun and welcoming space.

Why Are Kids Dental Cleanings Important?

Regular dental cleanings are a cornerstone of maintaining good oral health. For children, these visits are about more than the esthetics and feel of just removing plaque—it's an opportunity for them to be educated and evaluated in a kid-friendly way to prevent cavities, address early signs of gingivitis, and reinforce healthy habits that last a lifetime. Here’s why they matter:

• Plaque and Tartar Removal: Even with excellent brushing and flossing habits, some stubborn plaque and tartar buildup is inevitable. Professional cleanings ensure hard-to-reach areas are cleaned thoroughly.
• Cavity Prevention: Regular professional dental cleanings reduce the risk of tooth decay and help maintain strong, healthy teeth by removing this bacteria build-up and with the professional grade products we use.
• Early Intervention: Cleanings allow dentists to monitor your child’s oral health, catch potential issues before they become more serious, and reinforce good hygiene habits.
• Building Positive Habits: Routine visits encourage children to see dental care as a normal, stress-free part of life.

When Should Kids Start Dental Cleanings?

We recommend starting dental cleanings by your child’s first birthday or 6 months after their  first tooth erupts. Early visits establish trust and help familiarize young children with the dental office. This also gives parents the chance to learn how to perform proper oral hygiene for their infants and young children aged 6 months to about 7-8 years old. Additionally, we suggest having professional dental cleanings every 6 months for children and young adults of all ages. 

What to Expect During a Kids Dental Cleaning

We’ve designed our cleaning process to be as comfortable and engaging as possible for kids. Here’s what happens during a typical visit:

• Gentle Assessment: Our dentists and assistants start with a thorough but gentle examination of your child’s teeth and gums. This step helps us evaluate oral hygiene, identify any concerns, and provide personalized feedback.
• Oral Hygiene Tips: We provide age-appropriate advice on brushing, flossing, and diet, empowering both parents and kids to take great care of their teeth at home. If the child is cooperative and old enough, we will use disclosing liquid to highlight plaque on their teeth and with a toothbrush have them practice removing the plaque as part of the hygiene instruction. 
• Cleaning and Polishing: Using child-friendly instruments, we carefully remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. We also polish the teeth to remove surface stains and leave your child with a bright, shiny smile.
• Fluoride Treatment: To strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities, we may apply a fluoride varnish. This simple and painless step helps ensure long-term protection.

How Much is a Pediatric Dental Cleaning?

The cost of a dental cleaning can vary based on your child’s specific needs, age, oral health, and whether multiple visits are required. Some children may need multiple visits due to heavy plaque and calculus buildup, orthodontic appliances, or special health care needs. Without an exam and a clear understanding of your child’s dental condition, it’s difficult to provide an exact quote.

For the most accurate pricing information, we recommend calling our office to speak with a staff member. Our team at Novato Children's Dentistry is always happy to discuss pricing and answer any questions about our services. If your child’s dental condition is more complex, booking an initial appointment allows our dentists to assess their specific needs and provide a pricing estimate for recommended treatment.

In conjunction with this, we can also submit an insurance preauthorization upon request to determine if the recommended cleaning is a covered benefit and whether there will be an out-of-pocket copay.

Our Approach to Gentle and Stress-Free Care

We know that some children feel anxious about dental visits, so we prioritize their comfort and confidence every step of the way. Our techniques include:

• “Tell-Show-Do” Method: We explain each step of the process in kid-friendly terms and demonstrate it before starting. This helps eliminate surprises and keeps children engaged.
• Custom Comfort Measures: For kids with sensory sensitivities or higher anxiety, we offer noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, reduced lighting, adjusting the pace, and other calming options to make the experience as relaxing as possible.
• Parental Involvement: Parents play a vital role in their child’s dental journey. We encourage parents to help with brushing and flossing at home until your child has the dexterity to achieve good oral hygiene independently—usually around age 7-8.

How Kids Dental Cleanings Support Lifelong Health

Cleanings do more than just improve your child’s smile today—they set the stage for a healthier smile tomorrow. By addressing plaque and tartar early, educating children on proper care, and creating a positive experience, we help build habits and confidence that last a lifetime. Parents often tell us that their children come home excited to practice the skills they learned during their appointment, proving that these visits really do make an impact.

Schedule Your Child’s Dental Cleaning Today!

At Novato Children's Dentistry, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional care in a warm and welcoming environment. Our focus on kids dental cleanings ensures every child has a positive experience while receiving the highest level of care. Contact us today to schedule your child’s next cleaning and take an important step toward lifelong oral health.