Pediatric Dentistry: Specialized Dental Care for Children’s Healthy Smiles
Pediatric dentistry specializes in providing dental care for children and focuses on creating a positive experience for children in a dental setting. In addition to teaching lifelong dental habits for a healthy smile, early dental care is important to take care of your child’s teeth because they aid in speech development, assist with eating and digestion, and help maintain space for permanent teeth.
Brush for a Full Two Minutes Every Time
Brushing your teeth for a full two minutes is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do for your oral health — yet most people fall well short without realizing it. Research has shown that the average person brushes for only about 45 to 60 seconds, which leaves plaque behind along the gumline and between teeth where cavities and gum disease begin.
Comprehensive Oral Evaluation / Digital Radiographs
An oral evaluation is recommended every six (6) months to prevent cavities and other dental problems. Digital imaging is a valuable diagnostic tool used to identify decay, extra teeth, bone defects, tumors, cysts and check the progress of previous procedures.
Cleaning
Regular cleanings help keep gums healthy and teeth cavity-free. A dental cleaning includes removal of tartar and plaque and polishing of the teeth to remove stains and prevent further buildup of plaque.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are made of a safe resin material which is applied to the surfaces of teeth (commonly permanent molars) to prevent cavities. The sealant material fills in the crevices of a tooth and “seals” off the tooth from cavity-causing agents like food and plaque. The teeth are prepared for the sealant application and the sealant is painted directly onto the chewing surface of each tooth and then hardens. Sealants are applied in one visit.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a natural substance that helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay. Fluoride treatments are administered at this office as an important component of pediatric dental treatment. The fluoride is applied to the teeth in a gel, foam, or varnish form.
Mouth Guards
Custom-fitted mouth guards from your dentist are preferable to cheaper products available from a store. Many school athletic programs require participants to wear a mouth guard. Athletes who are wearing braces will particularly benefit from a custom-fitted mouthguard.