Preventive Dentistry
Here at McLean Pediatric Dentistry, we emphasize preventive care. Preventive dentistry plays a vital role in your child’s oral health, working to help them avoid dental problems and maintain their oral health as they continue to grow and develop.
How Preventive Care Benefits Your Child
Many people assume that preventive dentistry is not as important for young children, due to the fact that their child’s primary teeth will eventually fall out and be replaced. This could not be further from the truth. Preventive dentistry is just as important for children as it is for adults. Children have just as many oral health issues as adults, and in many cases, children are actually more prone to developing cavities or other dental problems. Establishing a routine for preventive care and good oral hygiene early is crucial in setting your child up for a lifetime of good oral health.
Our pediatric dentists and team have one goal: which is to keep your child’s mouth free from cavities, gum disease and other problems, which in turn will promote better overall health and encourage them to maintain good oral habits for brushing and flossing at home.
Common Preventive Dental Treatments
There are many preventive treatments available for your child, including:
- Dental Cleanings
- Dental exams
- Dental sealants
- Fluoride treatment
- Mouth guards
- Nutritional counseling
- Space maintainers
Our pediatric dentists will also work with you to help your child learn how to brush and floss properly and may make recommendations on ways they can improve their oral hygiene routine as well.
How Often Your Child Should Visit The dentist
We recommend that you bring your child to meet with our pediatric dentists and team at least twice each year. You should begin scheduling appointments for your child as soon as their first tooth erupts, or no later than 1 year of age, after which our team will help you establish a regular schedule of visits. Bringing your child to the dentist early helps reduce their chances of developing a dental problem and allows our pediatric dentists to monitor your child’s oral health so that any issues which do occur can be treated promptly.
We also encourage you to call us with any questions or concerns you have. We are here to be a resource for you in caring for your child and are always happy to provide you with information or recommendations.
