Routine Cleanings
Prevention is Key!
Routine Cleanings are an important part of ensuring your child has a lifetime of good oral health and well-being. Schedule your child’s dental cleanings in Montrose, CO today and give their smile the healthy start it deserves.
Taking care of your child’s oral health starts way before the first teeth erupt from the gums. By wiping your child’s gums clean after feeding, you are participating in your child’s preventative dental care and setting them up for a lifetime of good oral and overall health. Poor oral health is tied to a multitude of health problems with significant emotional and social impacts. Every attention you can give your child’s oral health will greatly help in so many ways for the rest of their life.
Here at your Pediatric Dental Specialists of Montrose we encourage parents to begin young and bring their children into the office for their first dental visit no later than 12 months of age.
The caring team of professionals at Pediatric Dental Specialists of Montrose are dedicated to ensuring your child’s visit is as comfortable as possible from their first visit on.
During this first visit, our pediatric dentists, will discuss a variety of topics important for maintaining good oral health and strong beautiful teeth such as:
Your child’s first dental visit may take about 30-45 minutes. It will involve a general exam of your child’s mouth, gums, bite and any teeth that are present. Depending on your child’s age, a gentle cleaning may be done as well. Polishing of the teeth and removal of any plaque, tartar, or stains may also be performed, depending on the age. Dental X-rays are not typically done in these early ages unless deemed absolutely necessary.
After your baby’s first dental appointment, it is advised that children receive a professional dental cleaning and oral check up every 6 months.
In addition to routine dental cleanings, it is extremely important that you establish the daily habit of brushing and flossing at home. Simple habits like these can greatly reduce your child’s risk for serious oral problems down the road, and they will help keep both your child’s smile and overall body healthy and strong.
General tips for maintaining good oral health for your child include:
Prevention is key to avoiding dental problems and the negative health and social impacts they can carry. Routine cleanings with our friendly pediatric dentists and hygienists here at Pediatric Dental Specialists of Montrose will help ensure your child grows and develops healthy, beautiful smiles naturally. Maintaining good oral health throughout the developing years of childhood means fewer expensive procedures down the line meaning happiness for both you and your child!
Remember “Prevention is the Best Cure!”
Frequently Asked Questions about Routine Cleanings
Should my child brush their teeth right before their cleaning appointment?
Yes, have your child brush and floss before the visit just like any other day — it shows respect for the hygienist and gives you a chance to reinforce good habits at home. There’s no need to over-brush or worry if they’ve eaten recently; the hygienist will do a thorough professional cleaning either way. If your child is a young toddler and brushing isn’t consistent yet, that’s fine too — just come as you are. Bringing their toothbrush to the appointment is another easy way to make brushing feel routine and expected.
What if my child is scared of getting their teeth cleaned?
Dental anxiety is common in kids and something our team handles every day. Let us know ahead of time so we can plan extra warm-up time, use “tell-show-do” techniques, and let your child hold or touch instruments before they’re used. For many kids, familiarity from repeat visits solves the fear on its own. For more persistent anxiety, options like nitrous oxide or other sedation approaches can help your child stay calm during cleanings without missing needed care.
Can baby teeth get cavities if they're going to fall out anyway?
Yes, baby teeth get cavities and treating them matters even though they eventually fall out. Untreated decay can cause pain, infection, trouble eating, and speech delays, and it can damage the permanent tooth developing underneath. Baby molars aren’t lost until age 10 to 12, so a cavity at age 4 has years to worsen. Baby teeth also hold space for adult teeth to come in straight — losing them early often leads to crowding and future orthodontic problems. Regular cleanings and our cavity prevention guide help catch decay early.
Do you use fluoride during a routine cleaning, or is that a separate appointment?
For most pediatric patients, a fluoride treatment is included at the end of a routine cleaning rather than booked as a separate visit. After the hygienist cleans and polishes the teeth, a fluoride varnish or gel is applied to strengthen enamel and help prevent cavities — the whole application takes just a few minutes. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends professional fluoride every three to six months for kids at moderate to high cavity risk. Learn more about our fluoride treatments or ask our team at your child’s next visit.
Can my child still get a routine cleaning while they have braces?
Yes, and cleanings become even more important during orthodontic treatment. Brackets and wires trap food and plaque, so kids in braces have a higher risk of cavities and gum irritation. Our hygienists use tools designed to clean around brackets and can show your child how to brush and floss effectively with orthodontic hardware in place. Most kids in braces stick with the standard six-month cleaning schedule, though some benefit from visits every three to four months during active treatment. Ask about our orthodontic services if you’d like guidance on combined care.
How do routine cleanings work for kids with autism or sensory sensitivities?
Cleanings for kids with autism or sensory sensitivities are adapted to what works for that child — shorter appointments, quieter treatment rooms, dimmed overhead lights, weighted lap pads, headphones, or a pre-visit tour of the office to reduce surprise. Our team practices desensitization visits where a child comes in just to sit in the chair or meet the hygienist without any cleaning happening, then builds up from there. Sharing sensory triggers and successful routines from home ahead of time helps us plan. Learn more on our special needs children page.
Are dental X-rays part of every routine cleaning appointment?
No, dental X-rays are not taken at every cleaning. How often your child needs X-rays depends on their age, cavity risk, and dental history — typically every six to 24 months for kids with low risk, and more often for kids with a history of decay or ongoing treatment. Our office uses digital dental X-rays, which use significantly less radiation than traditional film and produce clearer images. If your child doesn’t need X-rays that visit, they simply won’t be taken.
Can I schedule cleanings for my kids on the same day?
Yes, we can schedule multiple siblings back-to-back or in the same appointment window whenever possible — a huge time-saver for families driving in from Delta, Olathe, Ridgway, or elsewhere on the Western Slope. Let our front desk know how many children need cleanings and their ages when you call, since we’ll match availability across hygienists to fit everyone in one trip. Booking a few weeks ahead gives the most flexibility, especially during school breaks. Call our Montrose office at 970.240.8694 or request an appointment online to set it up.
Where can I find a children's dental cleaning in Montrose, CO?
Pediatric Dental Specialists of Montrose offers routine cleanings at 1435 Hawk Pkwy Suite 101, Montrose, CO 81401. Call 970.240.8694 to schedule your child’s cleaning or ask about our approach to gentle, kid-friendly preventive care. We also treat families across Western Colorado at our Grand Junction and Fruita offices. The Montrose location is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Wednesday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and every other Friday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Board-certified pediatric dentists on staff treat infants through teens.
