Children Preventive Dental Care

We recommend a first checkup by 12 months old to make certain that teeth and jaw development are normal, and even more importantly so that parents and guardians know how to help their children be healthy from the start. Cavities (also known as caries or tooth decay) are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning.

Why is preventive dentistry for Children’s is important?

Preventive dentistry means a healthy smile for your child. Children with healthy mouths chew more easily and gain more nutrients from the foods they eat. They learn to speak more quickly and clearly. They have a better chance of general health, because disease in the mouth can endanger the rest of the body. A healthy mouth is more attractive, giving children confidence in their appearance.

When should preventive dentistry start?

Preventive dentistry begins with the first tooth. Visit your pediatric dentist at the eruption of the first tooth or by age one. You will learn how to protect your infant’s dental health. As visits continue your child will also learn. And the earlier the first dental visit, the better the chances of preventing dental disease and helping your child build a cavity-free smile.

What role do parents play in prevention?

After evaluating your child’s dental health, your pediatric dentist will design a personalized program of home care for your child. This program will include brushing and flossing instructions, diet counseling, and if necessary, fluoride recommendations.

How we help to prevent dental problems?

We can apply sealants to protect your child from tooth decay, help you select a mouth guard to prevent sports injuries to the face and teeth, and provide early diagnosis and care of orthodontic problems. We are uniquely trained to develop a combination of office and home preventive care to ensure your child a happy smile.

Our common preventive dental services for Children’s includes:

• Regular oral exams, usually every 6 months
• Teeth cleaning
• Routine X-rays