Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZPreventive Dental Services
Preventive dental care is the foundation of a healthy smile. It is a field dedicated to preventing the onset and progression of dental problems. At North Phoenix Pediatric Dentistry, we offer a range of preventive dental services with your child in mind. We’re all about setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Preventive Care at Home
One of the most effective ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums is to practice good oral hygiene at home. For babies, use a wet gauze or washcloth to clean the gums after feeding, and avoid putting your little one in bed with a bottle filled with any drink other than water. For older children, encourage regular brushing and flossing to remove plaque, which lowers the risk of tooth decay.
Make sure your child consumes a healthy, balanced diet to provide the teeth and gums with the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Limit sugary foods and beverages and steer away from carbonated drinks. If your child wants a snack, offer a healthy choice, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, or cheese.
At North Phoenix Pediatric Dentistry, we are proponents of prevention to keep dental tooth decay and dental problems at bay. If your child hasn’t seen a dentist in some time, we encourage you to schedule a routine dental exam and cleaning. Our team looks forward to working alongside you to help your child develop healthy oral care habits for long-term healthy smiles.
What Are Common Preventive Dentistry Services?
The following are some of the preventive services offered by your trusted team at North Phoenix Pediatric Dentistry:
Dental Exams: We will evaluate every aspect of your child’s oral health, including the teeth, gums, and bite. If needed, we may take digital dental x-rays to reveal oral health problems we can’t see during a physical exam. Routine dental exams help detect and treat any concerns early on, preventing them from progressing and requiring extensive treatments down the road.
Dental Cleanings: Our dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar deposits from your child’s teeth and gum line. Professional teeth cleanings significantly lower the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride helps strengthen the tooth enamel, reducing the risk of cavities. It also remineralizes weak tooth enamel, slowing the progression or even reversing the early stages of tooth decay.
Dental Sealants: Your child’s molars, or back teeth, have naturally occurring pits and grooves on their chewing surfaces that trap plaque and debris. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings we paint onto the tooth surfaces to smooth them out and shield them from cavity-causing bacteria. They have been shown to significantly lower the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
Space Maintainers: If a baby tooth falls out too early, the neighboring teeth can potentially drift into the gap, interfering with the growth of the incoming adult teeth. That can lead to crooked adult teeth, a crowded mouth, and problems with the bite. As the name implies, a space maintainer maintains the space left by a missing tooth, preventing a host of orthodontic concerns down the road.
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF): SDF combines silver’s antimicrobial properties and fluoride’s ability to remineralize teeth and prevent cavities from growing and progressing. The treatment is fast and painless and does not require numbing or drilling. It provides an excellent solution for children who can’t get traditional restorative treatments, including those with dental anxiety or special needs.
Preventive Dental Services Near Me in Phoenix, AZ
If you’d like more information about caring for your child’s smile or it’s time for your child’s routine dental visit, North Phoenix Pediatric Dentistry is here to help. We invite you to contact our office at 602-864-1080 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!