Oral Hygiene & Prevention

Our doctors believe in preventive dentistry. We feel that this is the best way to raise cavity free children. We stress the importance of six month recall visits for thorough oral examinations and dental cleanings as well as appropriate fluoride treatments. Additionally, we stand by the recommendations set forth by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association that dental xrays should be taken once a year and more often if the child is cavity-prone. Growth and development panoramic radiographs are taken less frequently but are taken at appropriate times to diagnose and monitor dental development, potential crowding or malocclusion and to check on the presence or absence of wisdom teeth. Xrays also allow us to diagnose problems such as cavities between the posterior teeth and to recommend appropriate treatment.

Oral hygiene instructions are reviewed and discussed with our patients at every visit. We monitor the child’s progress and make recommendations for improvement if needed. Our hygiene department will explain to you and your child the importance of daily flossing and recommend the appropriate type of toothpaste and fluoride supplement if needed.

In keeping with our stance on prevention, we recommend the placement of dental sealants on newly erupted permanent molars and on primary molars with deep grooves and fissures. Sealants are preventive coatings made of clear or lightly shaded plastic that are applied and bonded to the biting surfaces of the molars. Even if your child brushes and flosses carefully, it is difficult to clean the tiny grooves and pits on certain teeth. Food and bacteria build up in these areas placing your child in danger of tooth decay. Sealants seal out food and plaque, thereby reducing the risk of decay. We will thoroughly diagnose your child first to determine if sealants are appropriate for their teeth. Adjunct diagnostic tools include radiographs or xrays as well as the Diagnodent Laser Cavity Detector. Teeth that are deemed to be free of decay are candidates for dental sealants.