Preventive Care for Kids

Kids Exam and Cleaning

Little teeth need as much dental care, if not more. Baby teeth usually start to appear within 6 months after birth. Baby teeth are more susceptible to decay due to the thinner layer of enamel. Leaving decayed baby teeth untreated may cause oral pain and infection. Severe case can damage the permanent teeth growing underneath. As a family dentistry provider, we are also ready to help your little ones. Make your kid’s first dental appointment as soon as they get their first tooth. Call us at xxx-xx-xxxx. Our friendly doctors will catch or prevent all the early childhood dental problems for your kids.

Fluoride Treatment

Did you know? Many counties and cities in California do not provide fluoride in the public water! You can’t get fluoride from bottled water either. However, fluoride is the most efficient natural mineral that fights bacteria and builds strong teeth. It has been an essential dental treatment for decades. ADA recommends a professional dental fluoride treatment every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your risk assessment of cavities. It is especially crucial for kids whose teeth are forming and growing. Not sure if you or your kids are a good candidate for fluoride treatment? Make an appointment today. Call us: xxx-xx-xxxx

Sealants

Sealant is a clear and thin coating applied in the “pits and grooves” of the back teeth to prevent cavities. According to ADA (American Dental Association), sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by 80%. It is a very safe material. There’s no known side effects from sealants. The procedure is usually quick and painless. People can benefit from sealants anytime during their life, but it’s always best to get them right after the permanent molars break through, which is around age 6-7 for the first molars, and age 11-12 for the second molars.

FAQ

What happens during your child's first dentist appointment?

The first visit usually lasts about 30 minutes. Depending on your child’s age, the visit may include a full exam of the teeth, gums, and bite to check growth and development. Your child may also get a gentle cleaning.

How often should your kids get a dental cleaning?

From the first visit onward, children should go to the dentist every six months for a kid’s dental cleaning, unless your dentist suggests something else. Regular dental visits help establish a pattern of good dental health throughout life.

How to get a toddler to cooperate at the dentist?

Here are a few strategies we work together with the parents:

Start at an early age.
Meet and greet the dental staff prior to the appointment.
Tell, show, do
Keep the visit simple.
Be positive.
Make the most of distraction.
Use the right words. Don’t say “It won’t hurt.”

How long does dental sealant last?

Dental sealants can last for years if they are cared for properly. Every time you come visit, your dentist will check to make sure they are still intact. If they have been worn down significantly, your dentist will easily reapply the sealants on your teeth.

What should you not eat after getting sealants?

Usually, the application of dental sealants does not require significant changes in your diet. You can eat and drink normally after getting sealants. However, we recommend that you avoid hard and sticky foods because they can be damaging not only on the sealants but also on your natural tooth structures.

Can you still get tooth cavities with sealants?

Unfortunately, sealants only cover the pits and grooves of the tooth. One can still develop tooth cavities if the teeth are not cleaned properly.

What happens if you don’t get enough or have too much fluoride?

Fluoride deficiency can lead to tooth decay and possibly osteoporosis. The use of dental fluoride supplements significantly reduces the risk of tooth decay.

Very rarely, overexposure to fluoride occurs. Before 8 years of age, a time when teeth are developing, too much fluoride can cause enamel fluorosis, discoloration, or mottling of the permanent teeth.

What is the best source of fluoride?

The best way to get the right amount of fluoride is to drink tap or filtered water, eat foods that naturally contain fluoride, use fluoride toothpaste daily, and request fluoride treatments at your dental visit.