Burnaby dentist explains: how often should kids get cleanings?

Parents ask us this all the time at Burnaby South Dental in the High Gate area: How often should my child get a dental cleaning? The short answer is usually every six months. But kids grow fast, teeth change quickly, and some children need a little more frequent care. In this post, our burnaby dentist team breaks it down in simple terms—what affects the timeline, what to expect at a visit, and how to keep your child’s smile healthy and happy between appointments.

Why kids’ cleanings matter more than you think

Baby teeth are small, and cavities can spread faster than most parents realize. Cleanings remove sticky plaque and hardened tartar that toothbrushes can’t reach well. They also let your dental team spot early signs of trouble—tiny cavities, weak enamel, or crowding—before it becomes a bigger, more expensive problem. Regular cleanings at a high gate dental clinic also build great habits. When children grow up seeing the dentist, fear goes down and confidence goes up.

The general rule (and when to go sooner)

For most children, a cleaning and checkup every six months is best. That’s the guideline many dentists follow because it balances prevention with convenience. That said, some kids need a different rhythm:

High cavity risk: If your child has had cavities in the past year, visible plaque, or sugary snacking habits, a visit every 3–4 months for a while can help.
Braces or orthodontic appliances: Wires and brackets trap food. Extra cleanings reduce white spots and decay.
Special health needs: Some medical or sensory needs make home care harder, so more frequent professional cleanings make sense.
Enamel defects or early crowding: Extra monitoring helps us catch changes quickly.

Not sure where your child fits? A quick assessment with a burnaby south dentist can set the ideal schedule.

First visit and age-based guide

Age 1 to 3: We recommend a first dental visit by the first birthday or within six months of the first tooth. These early visits are short, gentle, and focused on comfort, brushing coaching, and diet tips. Cleanings may be light but helpful.
Age 4 to 6: Kids can usually handle a standard cleaning and fluoride. Twice a year works well for most.
Age 7 to 12: Adult teeth start coming in. We evaluate spacing, bite, and hygiene habits. Sealants may be recommended for molars. If plaque is heavy or brushing isn’t great yet, we might suggest a 3–4 month recall for a bit.
Teens (13+): Sports, braces, and busy schedules… things get tricky. Regular six-month cleanings keep them on track, with extra visits during ortho when needed.

What happens during a child’s cleaning at our High Gate clinic

A cleaning at Burnaby South Dental is designed to be calm and easy. We use kid-friendly language and move at your child’s pace.

Check-in & quick chat: We ask about brushing, snacks, and any toothaches or sensitivity.
Plaque & tartar removal: Gentle scaling removes buildup. We explain each step so kids aren’t surprised.
Polish: A soft, flavored polish smooths the teeth to make plaque stick less later.
Fluoride (if appropriate): This helps strengthen enamel. It’s quick and safe—we use the right amount for a child’s age.
Exam: The dentist checks teeth, gums, bite, and growth patterns. If X-rays are needed, we use low-dose digital images, only when they’re helpful.
Personal tips: We show better brushing angles, floss tricks, and snack swaps that actually work at home.

Many families tell us their child leaves saying, “That wasn’t scary at all.” Which is honestly the best review.

Signs your child might need a cleaning sooner

There’s a few clues parents can watch for:

Persistent bad breath (even after brushing)
Yellow or brown buildup around the gumline
Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
Tooth sensitivity to cold or sweets
White chalky spots on teeth (can be early demineralization)

If you’re seeing any of these, don’t wait for the calendar to hit six months—book a visit with a high gate dentist and we’ll help right away.

How home habits affect cleaning frequency

Good daily habits can keep your child on that easy twice-a-year schedule:

Brush 2x/day for 2 minutes: Angle the bristles toward the gumline and use a rice-sized smudge of fluoride toothpaste for little ones (pea-sized after age 3–6, depending on advice).
Floss once a day: Start as soon as teeth touch. Floss picks are fine if that makes it actually happen.
Water first, juice rarely: Juice and sports drinks raise cavity risk. Water after snacks helps rinse sugars.
Snack smarter: Cheese, nuts, yogurt, and crunchy veggies beat sticky sweets and crackers.
Mouthguards for sports: Prevent chipped teeth and avoid costly repairs.

Small changes compound. Over a year, better snacks and steady brushing can mean fewer cavities and shorter, easier cleanings.

Are fluoride and sealants necessary?

We get this question a lot. Fluoride is used carefully in dental offices and helps strengthen enamel against acids. Sealants are thin, protective coatings for the grooves of back teeth where a brush can’t reach well. Both are proven to reduce cavities, especially in school-age kids. If you’re unsure, our burnaby dentist will explain the pros and cons for your child’s exact situation—no pressure, just facts.

What about “dentist near me” searches?

If you’ve been typing “dentist near me” or “high gate dental clinic” because your family is in the Edmonds, Kingsway, or Highgate Village area, we’re close by and happy to help. We design visits around your child’s comfort, not the clock. Parking and transit access are simple, and we try hard to keep appointments on time—because we know life is busy.

FAQs

Do cleanings hurt?
Cleanings shouldn’t hurt. If your child has sore gums from plaque, they might feel a little tenderness at first, but it gets easier every visit as health improves.

Will my child always need six-month cleanings?
Most kids do well with twice-a-year. If risk goes up or they get braces, we may recommend a temporary 3–4 month schedule. When things stabilize, we go back to six months.

Are X-rays safe for kids?
We use digital X-rays with very low exposure and only take them when useful for diagnosis—like checking between teeth or monitoring growth.

Can you help a nervous child?
Yes. We use tell-show-do, breaks, and positive reinforcement. Sometimes a simple distraction or letting them “hold the mirror” is all it takes.

The bottom line

Most children: cleanings every 6 months
Higher risk, braces, or special needs: every 3–4 months for a while
Watch for warning signs: bleeding gums, bad breath, visible buildup
Home care makes a big difference: brush, floss, smart snacks, and water

If you’re unsure where to start, schedule a friendly assessment with a burnaby south dentist at Burnaby South Dental. We’ll look at your child’s cavity risk, habits, and growth, then set a plan that actually fits your family. Whether you’re searching for a high gate dentist, a trusted burnaby dentist, or simply a dentist near me, we’re here in the High Gate community to make checkups easy, calm, and—dare we say—kind of fun.

Ready to book? Reach out to Burnaby South Dental today and let’s keep those smiles bright for years to come.