What is Preventive Care?
Preventive dental care is a holistic approach to oral health which focuses on prevention and overall health, not only treatment. As most oral diseases can be prevented with early intervention and good hygiene, parents may bring their children in for regular dental check-ups, as early as six months after the child’s first tooth erupts.
Why is Preventive Care important for your children?
Many oral health problems, including dental caries, malocclusion, and fluorosis, begin in childhood and can be prevented through regular preventive dental care and counseling. During routine dental check-ups, our Oral Hygiene Therapist will teach our young patients the necessary techniques for excellent lifelong oral hygiene. Parents will also receive unique, tailored guidance on the best ways to improve their children’s oral health through diet, at-home dental hygiene and supplements.
Regular dental exams are an opportunity for our hygienist and doctors to identify any potential problems before they bloom into severe conditions. While cavities and gum disease are certainly on our “watch list” of potential problems we look for during each visit, we also explore for abnormal growth which may require orthodontic intervention. Crossbites, uneven spacing and ectopic eruptions are typically easier – and less uncomfortable for the child – to correct when children are young than after they’ve passed into puberty.
What usually takes place during your child’s first visit?
During your child’s first visit, our doctor or Oral Hygiene Therapist will carry out the following:
- A gentle examination of the child’s teeth, gums, jaws, head and neck.
- A series of digital photographs will be taken as records to monitor the child’s teeth development.
- A thorough cleaning of every tooth using a soft slow-speed rubber cup and polishing paste.
- An interactive, easy to comprehend review with the child on proper tooth brushing, flossing and overall oral hygiene techniques.
- A parent consultation outlining the best ways to improve the child’s oral health, including tips for at-home oral hygiene, diet and nutrition.
- A review of any growth abnormalities due to natural growth, injuries or finger-sucking habits, as well as a discussion of solutions via orthodontic treatment.
- Any radiographs deemed necessary.
Fissure Sealants – a preventive measure against decays
Fissure sealant is a tooth-coloured liquid which is applied to your children’s back teeth, so that they may never need to have a filling! The chewing surfaces of back teeth have small grooves or fissures which often extend right down into the tooth itself. However well the teeth are brushed, these fissures are very difficult to clean thoroughly. Bacteria and food particles stick to them and eventually cause decay. Fissure sealants completely seal off these grooves, preventing any food particles or bacteria from getting in. They do not affect the normal chewing function of teeth.
The Procedure
- No injections or drilling are needed, and the entire process is pain-free.
- The teeth which the sealants are being placed on will be checked for decay, cleaned and dried.
- The chewing surface of the tooth will be prepared to accept the Fissure Sealant
- The Fissure Sealant is applied to the tooth using a small brush and then hardened by concentrated beam of ultraviolet light.
When should this process be done?
The first permanent back molars are usually sealed between 6 and 7 years of age. If required the rest of the molars are usually sealed as soon as they appear which can be any time between 11 and 14 years. Our doctors and Oral Health Therapists will be more than happy to help you monitor the development and health of your child’s gum and teeth.
Fun and Effective Brushing – Sonicare for Kids
Philips Sonicare For Kids offers a gentle, yet remarkeably effective clean between the teeth and along the gumline, thanks to Philip’s patented Sonic Technology. It removes significantly more plaque than a children’s manual toothbursh. It is safe and gentle on oral tissues.
Provides a superior clean
- Dynamic cleaning action drives fluid between teeth
Clean and protect growing smiles
- Rubberized brush head is designed to protect young teeth
Designed to develop better brushing habits
- KidTimer helps to increase brushing time
- 2 Kid-friendly power modes deliver a gentle, effective clean
- Age-appropriate brush heads to protect kid’s teeth
- KidPacer delivers fun and engaging musical tones
- Fun interchangeable panels for customization
- Anti-roll shape
- Multi grip design for parents and kids
DP DENTAL 