Preventive Dentistry

Routine professional teeth cleanings are a key component to your child's preventive care plan. Using special instruments and our teeth polishing super skills, we're able to get rid of plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) that can't be removed with a regular toothbrush at home. This reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease. It's also a great opportunity to closely examine your child's teeth and gums and look for any potential issues with their oral health or development.

Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that helps make the enamel (tooth surface) strong and more resistant to the acid attacks that cause cavities. Fluoride can also reverse decay in the early stages by building up weak areas of the tooth enamel through remineralization. In children whose teeth are still erupting, the fluoride gets incorporated into their permanent teeth for long-term benefits. At your child's regular hygiene appointments, we apply a fluoride varnish that gives their enamel a boost.

Using state-of-the-art digital x-rays allows us to diagnose problems quickly and accurately, while reducing the patient’s exposure to radiation. Digital panoramic radiographs capture not only the teeth, but also the jaw bones and surrounding tissues. These images are important for evaluating growth and development, orthodontic assessments, and evaluation of 3rd molars (wisdom teeth).

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We are proud to offer BPA-free sealants that safely and effectively protect your child's teeth. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from cavities. Most tooth decay in children and teens occurs on these surfaces. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces from cavities by keeping germs and food particles out of these grooves. By applying dental sealants, you can significantly decrease the chances of your child getting cavities.

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Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a liquid medication that can be used to help stop tooth decay. The active ingredient in SDF is silver, a compound used in medicine for over a century because of its potential antimicrobial properties. SDF is effective in killing the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Silver diamine fluoride is applied to the teeth with a brush or floss, and this is especially helpful in small children who are not yet mature enough to tolerate traditional restorative care such as fillings or crowns.  It's also a great option for very anxious children. SDF can also be used on baby teeth that are nearing exfoliation, therefore eliminating the need for unnecessary restorations.

Sports guards are worn over the teeth, and are specifically designed to protect your mouth from oral trauma caused by high-impact sports. Many sports put players at risk for dental injuries caused by collisions to the mouth, face, or head, but a custom-fitted sports guard can help protect you from chipping, cracking, or knocking out a tooth.