What is Preventive Dentistry?
High-quality, consistent preventive dental care is the foundation for good oral health. It includes cleanings, exams, collaborative dental and overall health education, and a variety of other treatments that can help prevent decay and gum disease, or slow down or arrest their progression. Prevention is especially important for children to help set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
The benefits of preventive care
improves oral and overall health
Preventive care, including regular dental checkups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments, can help reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease in children. Good oral health is linked to overall health, and preventive dental care can help improve both.
establishes healthy habits
Regular dental checkups and cleanings, along with tailored education and care, can help children establish healthy oral hygiene habits that they then carry into adulthood. This can help them maintain good oral health for the rest of their lives.
saves you money
Preventive dental care can help save money in the long run by preventing dental problems before they require more costly treatments. By detecting and treating dental problems early, parents can choose less invasive and more comfortable treatment options for little ones.
High-risk patients
High-risk patients
Every child has unique needs when it comes to their oral health, which is why during your child's first visit Dr. Jen will perform a comprehensive caries (cavities) risk assessment. Based on the risk your child has for developing cavities, she will tailor your child’s preventive care to suit their needs. For instance, she may recommend they attend cleanings more frequently: every 3 months for high cavity risk patients, every 4 months for moderate cavity risk, and every 6 months for low cavity risk patients to keep their smile sparkling and cavity-free.
Some common factors that could increase a child’s risk of developing decay include:
- Frequent snacking
- Feeding or nursing without cleaning/brushing after
- Poor diet or hygiene habits
- Wearing braces
- Special health care needs
.webp)
Pediatric Remineralization Treatments
Remineralization therapy, such as a fluoride varnish treatment, halts the loss of minerals from tooth enamel while encouraging remineralization. This helps to strengthen weakened areas that are beginning to develop cavities and discourages acid attacks that break down the tooth, resulting in a reduced risk of decay.
Silver Diamine Fluoride
SDF stops cavities from growing and is a quick and comfortable topical treatment. Because SDF can help keep decay from progressing, fixing teeth can be put off until a child is older or has an easier time sitting through more extensive dental treatment.
Pediatric Dental Sealants
Pediatric dental sealants are a highly effective preventive treatment used in pediatric dentistry. They involve the application of a thin, protective coating on the chewing surfaces of children's back teeth – primarily the molars and premolars. This coating is made from medical-grade materials that safely bond with the enamel of each tooth. The process is quick, non-invasive, and painless. Sealants act as a barrier against food particles and bacteria that cause cavities, particularly in hard-to-clean areas of the mouth. They are especially beneficial for children who are still mastering their oral hygiene skills, offering an additional layer of defense against tooth decay.
Custom Mouthguards
Custom-crafted mouthguards can help protect children's teeth from injury during sports and prevent damage from teeth grinding at night.
X-ray Free Cavity Detector
Using a technique called Sub-Enamel Transillumination, we can detect unhealthy enamel and areas of decay before they can be seen in x-rays by shining a light through the teeth.
Exams & Cleanings
Regular dental exams and cleanings are the foundation for lasting oral health. The AAPD recommends that most children receive at least two dental exams a year, and more frequent exams for children with an increased risk of tooth decay, unusual growth patters, or poor oral hygiene habits.
Low-Radiation Digital X-rays
Digital x-rays use low levels of radiation and provide high-quality images, making them a safe and effective tool for diagnosing dental problems in children.
Oral Cancer Screenings & Pathology
Early detection is key for treating dental diseases and oral cancer, and regular dental screenings every 6 months can help detect discolorations, abscesses, and other signs of it early in children.
Space Maintenance
Space maintainers can help preserve the proper spacing of teeth in children who have lost baby teeth early, preventing future dental problems and minimizing the need for orthodontics later in life.
Frequently Asked Questions
