Preventative
Dentistry
Preventative Dentistry
Practicing good oral hygiene at home with your child, such as regular brushing, flossing, and scheduling regular checkups with the dentist, will help establish good habits that will last a lifetime. Our pediatric dental office keeps things fun and relaxed for kids so they don’t get nervous or anxious about visiting the dentist. We believe that preventive pediatric dental care is the best way to ensure that your child has a beautiful smile for life!
What is Preventative Dentistry?
First Year Advantages
Though they may seem small, cavities can cause a lot of pain. They’re caused by tooth decay, which happens when the bacteria in plaque accumulate on your child’s teeth and secrete an acid that degrades the tooth enamel. Preventive dental care, which involves removing these harmful bacteria, is the best way to lower your child’s chance of getting cavities.
Even very young children can suffer from dental cavities. Dental decay or cavities in baby teeth can cause serious problems, including pain, infection, difficulty chewing, and future problems with their adult teeth. Thus, it is important to start preventing dental cavities as soon as your child’s first tooth erupts.
We all have bacteria in our mouths; some are helpful, but some are harmful. Dental decay occurs when the cavity-causing bacteria combine with food to form a soft, sticky film called plaque. The bacteria use sugar and starch in our food to make acid. This acid begins to break down the minerals in a tooth’s enamel, and a cavity or hole in the tooth will form over time. Good oral health hygiene practices at home and ongoing professional dental care will help prevent plaque accumulation, minimize harmful bacteria, and help ensure small areas of decay developing will be repaired before significant damage to your child’s teeth occurs.
Preserve Tooth Enamel
Have you ever wondered why your tooth enamel is so important? Enamel is the hard outer layer that protects your teeth from everyday wear and tear. It’s also the hardest tissue in your body! That’s why taking good care of your tooth enamel is so important.
Preventive dental care will help keep your teeth clean and strong and prevent tooth decay, cavities, and sensitivity. So, what are you waiting for? Brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly are all great ways to keep your tooth enamel healthy and strong!
Fight Gum Disease
Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth. It is the main cause of dental cavities and gum disease. When plaque gets under the gum line, it causes gingivitis, an early gum disease. Gum disease can lead to several adverse side effects, like bleeding and receding gums.
Pediatric dentists can help prevent gum disease by cleaning below your child’s gum line. A professional dental cleaning every six months is recommended to remove plaque and tartar that has built up on teeth above and below the gum line. Pediatric dentists can help prevent gum disease by cleaning below your child’s gum line.
Better Breath
Proper dental care is essential for more than just a sparkling smile–it can also help your child to have better breath. Plaque, bacteria, and food particles can all contribute to bad breath, so by removing them, you can create a cleaner, healthier environment for your child’s mouth. This can, in turn, boost their self-confidence since they won’t have to worry about bad breath holding them back from enjoying the day. Plus, they’ll feel fresher overall. So, remember to encourage your child to brush and floss regularly!
What are Preventative Dental Habits?
Few things are more important than teaching your children good oral hygiene habits from a young age. This will set them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums and give them the tools they need to maintain their oral health.
Better Together
Modeling proper oral hygiene helps children adopt these habits. Brush with your children to teach techniques and make it fun. For very young kids, brush their teeth until they can do it independently, turning it into a bonding game. Persist even if they resist, and our dental team can provide strategies to make it easier.
Flossing
Flossing is essential for kids too. It removes bacteria and plaque between teeth that touch, regardless of age. Depending on tooth positioning, floss between all or select spots. During visits, we'll pinpoint critical areas and teach effective techniques for children. Flossing together helps them learn and promotes independent habits.
Health Diet
A healthy diet is crucial for your child's teeth. Sugary foods cause cavities, while nutrient-poor foods lead to deficiencies. Sticky snacks like gummies can get stuck in teeth. Opt for leafy greens and Vitamin C-rich foods to promote healthy teeth and gums, benefiting overall health.
What are Preventative Dental Services
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a great way to protect your child’s teeth against decay. Sealants are thin, clear coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where decay is most likely to occur. They are quick and easy to use and last several years.
Sealants provide a barrier that keeps food and bacteria from getting into teeth’ tiny cracks and grooves. They also make it easier to brush and floss to remove food and plaque. Sealants are essential in preventing cavities and are safe for children and adults. If you have any questions about dental sealants, please ask your dentist or dental hygienist.
Professional Dental Cleaning
We love clean teeth and use special techniques and tools to achieve the cleanest teeth possible. During teeth cleanings, we use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from teeth. Expert flossing provides the gums with a clean environment, and we may use fluoride treatments to help prevent cavities. It is recommended that children have their teeth cleaned every six months.
Fluoride Treatment
Dental sealants are a great way to protect your child’s teeth against decay. Sealants are thin, clear coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where decay is most likely to occur. They are quick and easy to use and last several years.
Sealants provide a barrier that keeps food and bacteria from getting into teeth’ tiny cracks and grooves. They also make it easier to brush and floss to remove food and plaque. Sealants are essential in preventing cavities and are safe for children and adults. If you have any questions about dental sealants, please ask your dentist or dental hygienist.
