Preventative Care

First Dental Visit.
Your child should have their first visit once their first primary tooth erupts and no later than their first birthday. The first visit focuses on establishing a dental home for your child. An exam, cleaning, and fluoride application will be performed as well as education regarding oral hygiene, diet, fluoride exposure, injury prevention, growth and development, and oral habits.

Introducing your child to dental visits early on will help them to develop a sense of comfort and security, and result in less fear and anxiety commonly associated with dental visits. We encourage parents to ask questions and share any concerns, and are happy to provide our best advice to help you guide your child into developing healthy dental habits.

Regular Dental Visits
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a dental check-up at least twice a year for most children. Some children need more frequent dental visits because of increased risk of tooth decay, unusual growth patterns or poor oral hygiene. Regular dental visits help your child stay cavity-free. Teeth cleanings remove debris that build up on the teeth, irritate the gums and cause decay. Fluoride treatments renew the fluoride content in the enamel, strengthening teeth and preventing cavities. Hygiene instructions improve your child’s brushing and flossing, leading to cleaner teeth and healthier gums.

Tooth decay isn’t the only reason for a dental visit. Your pediatric dentist provides an ongoing assessment of changes in your child’s oral health. For example, your child may need additional fluoride, dietary changes, or sealants for ideal dental health. The pediatric dentist may identify orthodontic problems and suggest treatment to guide the teeth as they emerge in the mouth. The pediatric dentist will review your child’s medical and dental history. He will gently examine your child’s teeth, oral tissues, and jaws. The teeth will be cleaned and polished, followed by the application of a fluoride solution.

Your pediatric dentist won’t talk just to you about dental health, he and the Hygienist will talk to your child with easily understandable words, pictures, and ideas. Your child will be motivated to take responsibility for a healthy smile.

Diagnostic X-Rays
Pediatric dentists, acting in accord with guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommend X-rays when necessary to protect your child’s dental health. For example, X-rays may be needed to diagnose tooth decay or abnormalities, or they may be required for orthodontic treatment.

Our Dentists recommend bite-wing x-rays once per year on children 5 years old and older. Additionally, panoramic films are recommended by age 7, and every three years after.