Sparrow Hill Pediatric Dentistry Call

Checkups, cleanings and sealants for Ocala kids

Most children see us every six months. Each visit is a cleaning, a check of every tooth, and a few minutes with you about home care.

Two bamboo toothbrushes in a ceramic cup

What a checkup includes

Two dentists care for a child in the dental chair
  • A cleaning by our hygienist, with a flavor your child picks.
  • An exam of each tooth, the bite and the gums.
  • Fluoride varnish when it helps.
  • X-rays only when needed, and we tell you why first.

How sealants work

A white dental curing light in its holder sits on a white tray next to three cotton rolls.

Back teeth have deep grooves where food gets stuck. A sealant is a thin coating painted into those grooves. It takes minutes, with no needle and no drilling.

We usually seal the first adult molars around age six and the second molars around age twelve.

Between visits

A large plush tooth and a white toothbrush sit on a small wooden child's chair in a bright clinic.

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Help your child brush until they can tie their own shoes. Floss where teeth touch, and offer water between meals.

Questions about checkups, cleanings and sealants

How long do sealants last?

Often several years. We check them at each visit and touch them up when part wears away.

Why does my child need fluoride if our water has it?

Bottled water often has little fluoride, and well water varies. We ask what your family drinks and recommend varnish only when it helps.

Reviewed by Dr. Annika Ferrante, DMD, October 7, 2026