Preventive Dentistry

Encourage Proper Oral Hygiene

Brush Twice a Day

It’s important to brush your child’s teeth twice a day for two minutes until they can do it on their own. Typically, children can properly brush their own teeth around the age of 6. However, it’s still a good idea to supervise them at this time to make sure they are using proper technique.

Floss Once Per Day

You’ll need to floss your child’s teeth once per day to remove food and plaque from between their teeth. Kids can usually start flossing on their own around the age of 10. Flossing is critical when it comes to the health of your child’s teeth and gums.

Always Eat Well

Avoid overconsumption of sugary drinks like juice and soda and minimize starchy, sweet snacks like candy and potato chips. Try to feed your child fibrous foods like whole grains, fresh fruit, and vegetables. Oral bacteria love sugar, so minimize the amount of sugar your child eats.

Hygiene & Cleaning Appointments

Routine cleanings are the heart of preventive dental care. During your child’s preventive appointment, one of our hygienists will clean and buff your child’s teeth and perform a quick oral exam to check for common dental health issues. With our specialized tools, we are able to remove plaque and bacteria from surfaces of your child’s teeth that can’t be easily reached with a toothbrush or floss. One of our dentists will also take x-rays and perform an in-depth oral exam to look for signs of decay, developmental issues, and other hidden problems.

 Next: Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments are the best way to fight back against cavities and keep your child’s tooth enamel strong. During this quick, painless procedure, one of our dentists will apply a fluoride-rich gel to your child’s teeth. This gel will help “remineralize” the teeth and strengthen them, and the substance is powerful enough to reverse the early stages of tooth decay. This, in turn, prevents cavities.

 Next: Silver Diamine Fluoride

Silver Diamine Fluoride

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a useful way to halt the progression of cavities without a filling. This treatment is ideal for baby teeth that will soon fall out naturally. SDF destroys the bacteria that cause the cavity. This substance is used along with a fluoride varnish to create a barrier that prevents further damage to your child’s tooth. This treatment is typically only recommended to treat decayed baby teeth because it will permanently stain the treated area black. Since your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out naturally, this aesthetic issue will not be permanent.

 Next: Nutritional Consultations

Nutritional Consultations

Need help with your child’s diet? Want to make sure they eat foods that are tooth-friendly and good for their overall growth and development? We offer nutritional consultations at our office, so you can get the advice you need to keep your child happy and healthy.

 Next: Dental Sealants

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants consist of a plastic resin that is applied to your child’s rear teeth as a liquid. Then, it’s hardened using a UV light. The result is a strong, transparent barrier that prevents bacteria, food particles, and plaque from contacting your child’s teeth. In turn, this stops the formation of cavities. With proper oral hygiene, dental sealants can last up to 10 years, which means they are a great investment for kids who are cavity-prone.

 Next: Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer is very rare in children, but as part of our thorough care, we still provide comprehensive oral cancer screenings during every exam. We’ll use intraoral cameras to look for any potential issues. You’ll leave your child’s preventive appointment with peace of mind knowing that they received comprehensive care and that every issue was addressed.

 Next: Hygiene & Cleaning Appointments

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