Teeth cleaning for children
A children’s hygiene visit focuses on prevention. The clinician can clean your child’s teeth where needed and show you both how to look after them at home.
Before
Tell the team about changes such as bleeding, sensitivity or difficulty cleaning around particular teeth.
During
The hygienist or therapist checks your child’s teeth and gums and explains any cleaning in simple terms. Let the team know if your child is nervous or needs extra support.
After
Ask the team to show you the home-care steps that suit your mouth and confirm when your gums will next be checked.
FAQs
Will every child need a clean?
The team assesses what your child needs. Sometimes the most useful part of the visit is practical advice on brushing and preventing decay.
Should my child still see the dentist?
Yes. A dental examination checks your child’s developing teeth and mouth. The hygiene visit focuses on cleaning and prevention.
Child examinationFurther reading
Keeping teeth healthy
The team can talk through brushing with fluoride toothpaste, snacks and drinks, and whether preventive options such as fluoride varnish or fissure sealants are suitable.
Age-appropriate cleaning and practical brushing advice for your child.
What happens at a hygiene visit
The hygienist can show your child where plaque collects and how to reach those areas when brushing. Whether professional cleaning is useful depends on what they find and how comfortable your child is.
At home
Ask how much fluoride toothpaste is appropriate for your child’s age and when they can manage brushing with less help. Keep regular dental examinations at the interval their dentist recommends.
A member of our hygiene team can advise which visit suits your child’s age and needs.