What is Preventative Dentistry?

Posted by Dentalworks4kids on January 23rd, 2015

Preventive dentistry means a healthy smile for your child. Children with healthy mouths chew more easily and gain more nutrients from the foods they eat. They learn to speak more quickly and clearly. They have a better chance of general health because disease in the mouth can endanger the rest of the body. A healthy mouth is more attractive, giving children confidence in their appearance. Finally, preventive dentistry means less extensive and less expensive treatment for your child.

 When should preventive dentistry start?

Preventative dentistry begins with the first tooth! At the eruption of the first tooth or by age one you should visit the Pediatric dentist. A visit this early does not mean that there will be cavities and fillings that need to be done. Instead, we will teach you how to protect your infant’s dental health. It will also establish a dental home for your child so that they will get used to coming to the dentist and not have any fear. Remember dental problems can begin early and once a child’s diet includes anything besides breast-milk, erupted teeth are at risk for decay. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental disease and helping your child build a cavity-free smile.

 What role do parents play in prevention?

After evaluating your child’s dental health, our pediatric dentist will design a personalized program of home care for your child. This program will include brushing and flossing instructions, diet counseling, and if necessary, fluoride recommendations. By following these directions, you can help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.

 How does pediatric dentists help prevent dental problems?

In the same way that pediatricians are trained to meet a child's medical needs, our pediatric dental specialists are uniquely qualified to meet the unique needs of infants, children and adolescents, including persons with special health care needs. Tooth cleaning and polishing and, if necessary, fluoride treatments are all part of your child’s prevention program. However, there is much more. For example, our pediatric specialists can apply sealants to protect your child from tooth decay, help you select a mouth guard to prevent sports injuries to the face and teeth, and provide early diagnosis and care of orthodontic problems. At Dental Works 4 Kids our pediatric specialists are uniquely trained to develop a combination of office and home preventive care to insure your child a happy, healthy smile for a lifetime!

 About The Author:

Dental Works 4 Kids is a pediatric & orthodontic health care specialist in Ontario, CA providing the highest standard of specialized and comprehensive oral healthcare and orthodontics for infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special needs. Dental Works 4 Kids offer a safe and welcoming environment with a focus on education and prevention for families in our community.