Kids are considered adults at the age of 14 in the dental world. They should have a professional cleaning that lasts at least 45 minutes. By this age, they have the same teeth as you do. As a Hygienist, I can not clean your teeth in less than 45 minutes, even if they are already clean and in good condition. It is important that a hygienist takes the necessary time with your older child. They need to disclose their teeth with an agent that shows them your child’s plaque. They need to keep reinforcing good brushing and flossing. I keep seeing kids that are 16,17,18 that come to the office with all kinds of decalcifications, cavities, and poor oral hygiene. Remember decalcifications are like rust on metal. When plaque sits on your teeth too long, it puts pits in your enamel making the teeth weak. Teenagers can have crowns by the time they are twenty if not addressed right away. Most kids are getting these decalcifications when they get their braces off. Good oral hygiene instruction, motivation, some prescription toothpaste can help strengthen their enamel. As a Hygienist, I need time to help improve there oral hygiene and put the responsibility of taking care of your children’s teeth on their shoulders. Most teenagers are going off to college soon and it is their responsibility to take care of their teeth or get a lot of cavities. It takes more than one visit to help them improve their oral hygiene. If your child has all their permanent teeth, they can see a regular dentist. Holding them back because it is easy, or they like playing videos games may cost you in the long run. We have one set of teeth, once they are damaged, it is one filling after another until it needs a crown.