Preventive Dental Care

Preventive dental care is a whole-body approach to oral health which focuses on prevention and overall health, not only treatment. We practice preventive dentistry with all the children under our care.

Preventive dentistry is particularly important for children, whose teeth, mouth and gums are still developing. Preventing abnormal growth and cavities in children is easier, more painless and less costly than treating dental problems after they've fully developed. More importantly, having a healthy mouth helps children maintain better nutrition, self-esteem and overall health.

We look at the "whole picture" of your child's oral and physical health. Our preventive pediatric dental care helps prevent or provide early treatment for infant cavities, baby tooth decay and abnormal growth such as uneven spacing, misalignment and ectopic eruption.

In addition to providing a unique long-term plan for each child's preventive dental care, our team provides preventive care during each regular check-up. During these visits, children receive key preventive treatment, including:

• Cavity risk assessment, taking into account each child's individual diet, habits and family history.
• Assessment of any abnormal oral growth, such as uneven spacing or ectopic eruptions.
• Fluoride treatment to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay.
• Education for both parents and children on the best techniques for tooth brushing, flossing and overall oral hygiene at home.
• A personalized "Prevention Program" which includes recommendations for ways to improve the child's oral and overall health through diet, supplements and hygiene.

If cavities or irregular growth are detected, we may recommend your child receive one or more of the following as part of his or her preventive dental care:

• Dental sealants to prevent tooth decay.
• Orthodontic appliances to guide unevenly spaced or erupting teeth.
• Appliances to deter damaging oral habits such as finger sucking.

Having a healthy mouth gives children a better chance of having good overall health. Poor oral health often interferes with a child's ability to take in the right nutrition, speak properly or maintain a positive self image. With the help of our pediatric specialists, parents and children can prevent these problems by providing them with the right preventive dental care.

Many kids entering kindergarten today already have cavities. Cavities in infants, toddlers and children hinder the development of a healthy smile and a child's ability to take in the right nutrition. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children begin seeing a pediatric dentist 6 months after their first tooth comes in, or by their first birthday. This early preventive dental care ensures children and parents are on the right track towards excellent oral health.

By practicing good oral hygiene habits, such as tooth brushing and flossing. Our pediatric dentists and hygienists can help by teaching parents and children the right technique for maintaining a healthy mouth.

Parents can help kids by providing them with a well-balanced diet which is low in sugar and acid. Young children should only have 4 oz. to 6 oz. of 100% juice once daily at meal or snack time.

Children should come in for regular dental check-ups every six months, or as often as our doctors recommend. Children who are at a high risk of tooth decay may need to visit our offices more often than every six months.

Follow the recommendations for diet, supplements and oral hygiene our doctors and hygienists provide. Our doctors tailor recommendations for at-home preventive care based off each child's unique Prevention Plan.