What Is Preventative Care?
A Quick Rundown
Preventative care involves all the dental services that will help support your child’s dental health and make sure their teeth grow strong and healthy. As opposed to waiting for issues to come up and seeing a dentist to resolve them, preventative care can stop any worrying signs long before they are able to affect your child’s dental health.
Why Is Preventative Care Important for Children?
Preventative care addresses a variety of common dental issues children can face, such as cavities, plaque buildup, or even gum diseases. While having a good oral hygiene routine at home is essential, taking your child to the dentist for preventative care can greatly support these efforts and reduce the risk of extensive (and costly) dental procedures down the line.
What to Expect at Your Child’s Appointment
The Oral Exam
The dentist will first inspect your child’s teeth to see if any issues need to be addressed, such as beginning signs or tooth decay or issues with their bite or tooth alignment. Based on what they find, the dentist will make certain treatment recommendations.
The Treatment
If there are no pressing issues to address, the dentist can move on to preventative care services, which can be professional cleanings, screenings, or others.
The Happy Healthy Smile
South OC Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics knows children can feel anxious while seeing the dentist, which is why we have a compassionate approach and always great kids with warmth and smiles on our faces!
Preventative Treatment Options
Fluoride Treatments
These help make the child’s teeth stronger and can prevent tooth decay. The treatments use a bigger fluoride concentration than what you can find in regular toothpaste.
Dental Sealants
Involves applying a thin cover on the chewing surface of the teeth to prevent cavities from forming.
Periodontal Care
Cleaning the pockets around the teeth to make sure the gums and surrounding bone are healthy. The procedure reduces the risk of inflammation or gum disease.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Can help spot the signs of oral cancer right in the beginning stages, when the treatment is far more successful.
Preventive Care FAQs
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD NEEDS PREVENTIVE CARE?
Every child needs preventive care! These oral health services tie into your child’s tooth health and can help them grow strong and healthy, leaving your child with a happy smile.
MY CHILD DOESN’T WANT TO COME TO THE DENTIST. WHAT CAN I DO?
At South OC Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we perfectly understand that children can feel hesitant or even scared to come to the dentist, which is why we take a special approach to explain to the child every single thing that will happen to them. We encourage parents to do the same, and talk with the child about what to expect during their appointment. We’re also available to help parents understand the process, so don’t hesitate to call our office with your questions!
How does early preventive care impact my child’s future dental health?
Preventive dental care from an early age helps ensure your child develops strong, healthy teeth and gums. Regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease, setting a foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. Early checkups allow the dentist to detect and address potential issues, such as misaligned bites or enamel defects, before they become major problems. Prevention now can mean fewer treatments later!
Why are baby teeth important if they eventually fall out?
Baby teeth serve crucial functions beyond just chewing. They help with speech development, guide permanent teeth to correct positions and support jaw growth. Losing baby teeth too early due to decay or injury can cause spacing issues and misalignment of permanent teeth. Preventive care, including proper hygiene and regular dental visits, helps maintain baby teeth until they naturally fall out, ensuring your child’s oral development stays on track.
How does diet affect my child’s risk of cavities?
A child’s diet plays a significant role in cavity prevention. Sugary and starchy foods fuel bacteria that produce acids, leading to tooth decay. Frequent snacking can also increase cavity risk since it limits saliva’s ability to neutralize acids. Encouraging a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, dairy, and plenty of water (especially fluoridated water) helps strengthen enamel and fight decay. Teaching healthy eating habits at an early age significantly impacts long-term oral health!
Can thumb-sucking or pacifier use affect my child’s teeth?
Yes, prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use can impact dental development. These habits may cause the front teeth to push forward, leading to bite misalignment or speech issues. While many children naturally outgrow these habits by age three, an orthodontic evaluation may be recommended if they persist beyond this. Dr. De Lorme can offer guidance and gentle intervention strategies to help break the habit before it affects permanent teeth.
What role does saliva play in preventing cavities?
Saliva is one of the body’s natural defenses against cavities. It helps wash away food particles, neutralizes harmful acids, and contains minerals that strengthen enamel. Some children may have lower saliva production due to medications or medical conditions, making them more susceptible to decay. If dry mouth is a concern, increasing water intake, using sugar-free gum, and scheduling regular dental checkups can help maintain a healthy balance and protect their teeth.
Are dental sealants necessary if my child brushes well?
Even with excellent brushing habits, dental sealants provide extra protection against cavities. The chewing surfaces of molars have deep grooves that can trap food and bacteria, making them harder to clean. Sealants create a smooth, protective barrier over these areas, significantly reducing the risk of decay. Since children’s back teeth are particularly vulnerable, applying sealants as soon as molars emerge can help safeguard their smiles for years.
How do sports and physical activities affect my child’s dental health?
Sports and recreational activities pose a risk for dental injuries, such as chipped or knocked-out teeth. Wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard can help protect against impact-related trauma. Even non-contact sports like gymnastics or skateboarding carry risks of falls that could harm teeth. If your child is active in sports, ask Dr. De Lorme about the best type of mouthguard to ensure optimal protection and comfort during play.
