Preventive Dentistry

Q. What is preventive dentistry?

A. Preventive dentistry for children includes:
brushing
dental development
flossing
fluorides
oral habits
orthodontics
parent involvement
proper diet
sealants
sports safety

Q. Why is preventive dentistry important?

A. Preventive dentistry means a healthy smile for your child. Children with healthy mouths chew more easily and 
gain more nutrients from the foods they eat. They learn to speak more quickly and clearly. They have a better chance 
of general health, because disease in the mouth can endanger the rest of the body. A healthy mouth is more attractive, 
giving children confidence in their appearance. Finally, preventive dentistry means less extensive, and less expensive, 
treatment for your child.

Q. When should preventive dentistry start?

A. Preventive dentistry begins with the first tooth. Visit your dentist when the first tooth comes in. You will learn how 
to protect your infant's dental health. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental disease and 
helping your child belong to the cavity-free generation.

Q. What role do parents play in prevention?

A. After evaluating your child's dental health, your dentist will design a personalized program of home care for your 
child. This program will include brushing and flossing instructions, diet counseling, and if necessary, fluoride 
recommendations. By following these directions, you can help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.

Q. How do dentists help prevent dental problems?

A. Tooth cleaning and polishing and fluoride treatments are all part of your child's prevention program. But there's 
much more. For example, your dentist can apply sealants to protect your child from tooth decay, help you select a 
mouth guard to prevent sports injuries to the face and teeth, and provide early diagnosis and care of orthodontic 
problems. Your dentist is trained to develop a combination of office and home preventive care to insure your child a 
happy smile.

Q. How often should a child see the dentist?

A. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a dental checkup at least twice a year for most children. 
Some children need more frequent dental visits because of increased risk of tooth decay, unusual growth patterns or 
poor oral hygiene. Your dentist will let you know the best appointment schedule for your child.

Q. Why visit the dentist twice a year when my child has never had a cavity?

A. Regular dental visits help your child stay cavity-free. Teeth cleanings remove debris that build up on the teeth, 
irritate the gums and cause decay. Fluoride treatments renew the fluoride content in the enamel, strengthening teeth 
and preventing cavities. Hygiene instructions improve your child's brushing and flossing, leading to cleaner teeth 
and healthier gums. Tooth decay isn't the only reason for a dental visit. Your dentist provides an ongoing 
assessment of changes in your child's oral health. For example, your child may need additional fluoride, dietary 
changes, or sealants for ideal dental health. The dentist may identify orthodontic problems and suggest treatment 
to guide the teeth as they emerge in the mouth.

Q. What happens in a dental checkup?

A. The dentist will review your child's medical and dental history. He or she will gently examine your child's teeth, 
oral tissues, and jaws. The teeth will be cleaned and polished, followed by the application of a fluoride solution. 
Your dentist won't talk just to you about dental health, he or she will talk to your child with easily understandable 
words, pictures, and ideas. Your child will be motivated to take responsibility for healthy smile.

Q. Will X-rays be taken at every appointment?

A. No. Dentists, acting in accord with guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommend 
X-rays only when necessary to protect your child's dental health. For example, X-rays may be need to diagnose 
tooth decay or abnormalities. Or, they may be required for orthodontic treatment. Your dentist will discuss the 
need for X-rays with you before any are taken.

Q. How can I help my child enjoy good dental health?

A. The following steps will help your child be part of the cavity-free generation:
1. Beware of frequent snacking
2. Brush effectively twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
3. Floss once a day
4. Have sealants applied when appropriate
5. Seek regular dental checkups
6. Assure proper fluoride through drinking water, fluoride products or fluoride supplements

Q. At what age should I start taking my child to the dentist?

A. Some say at 1 year of age, but definitely by the child's 3rd birthday.

Q. When do those baby and permanent teeth erupt?

A. Teeth erupt at different times in all individuals . Your child's tooth should erupt eventually unless your dentist 
tells you that there is no replacement permanent tooth.

Q. What should I do if my child's tooth is knocked out?

A. Place the tooth in cool milk or if the child is old enough, under the child's tongue. Be real careful not to swallow 
the tooth and get to the dentist within 30 minutes so it can be reimplanted.