Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry is a procedure, a group of procedures, or dental education that helps patients take care of their teeth. When it comes to kids, they need extra support to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy. Dr. Mitchell Loeb and the team at Kid Grins in Edina, MN, offer a comprehensive menu of preventive dental care for children.
Teeth Cleanings
Getting a teeth cleaning every six months is the foundation of good dental care for all ages. A dentist’s cleaning tools reach the nooks and crannies in every child’s small mouth to:
- Remove plaque and tartar.
- Deliver a professional polishing and flossing.
- Administer fluoride treatment.
Oral Health Education
Keeping little kids’ teeth clean is a big job. Oral health education is ongoing and there is always something new to learn about taking care of the smallest and wiggliest teeth. The pediatric dentist and hygienist deliver important information during teeth cleanings and exams through oral health education.
- Demonstrate brushing and flossing techniques.
- Provide information about foods to avoid.
- Make recommendations for toothbrushes and toothpaste.
- Explain when teeth will get wiggly and fall out.
Dental Exam
A dental exam happens at every dental visit whether kids and parents realize it or not. A pediatric dentist looks at your child’s teeth, gums, and overall dental development, especially so problems can be addressed before they have time to develop. Your pediatric dentist will be on the lookout for:
- Areas of tooth decay
- Cracked or damaged teeth
- Loose teeth
- Alignment problems
- Side effects of bad habits (like thumb sucking)
X-Rays
Digital x-rays are the window to the roots of the teeth. These images deliver an incredible amount of information to your pediatric dentist so they know what’s happening under the gumline and where your child is on the dental development timeline. X-rays make it clear to the dentist when an orthodontic consultation is necessary.
Seeing your child’s young mouth in an x-ray is fascinating and informative. These amazing photos show baby teeth and permanent teeth. Sometimes you’ll see two entirely full sets of teeth. The images will change in fascinating ways as time goes by and your child matures and grows.
Dental Sealants
Once a child’s adult molars begin to erupt, dental sealants are applied to the chewing surface of these permanent teeth to help prevent cavities. A sealant is an extra layer of protection for those hardworking teeth.
Molars are the hardest teeth to reach when brushing and cleaning and getting into all the crevices isn’t easy. Dental sealants are applied to tooth enamel in a fast and non-invasive procedure.
Fluoride Treatments
Every child’s dental cleaning includes the application of fluoride varnish as a measure of preventive dentistry. Kids need time to develop good oral hygiene. This easy procedure strengthens teeth and wards off tooth decay.
- Fluoride adds minerals to teeth and strengthens soft tooth enamel.
- Fluoride repairs micro-cavities and early decay.
- Enamel is more resistant to acid attacks from plaque and bacteria when fluoride is present.
Space Maintainers
Sometimes, baby teeth don’t behave the way they’re supposed to and are lost or knocked out too early. A space maintainer is used to hold space for permanent teeth, so they erupt properly and in the place they’re meant to be. This small effort makes a huge difference in maintaining a child’s alignment and can prevent the need for extensive orthodontics in the teen years.
Get Preventive Dentistry from Your Pediatric Dentist in Edina, MN
Rely on Kid Grins for preventive dentistry for your children. Contact us to schedule a cleaning and exam or to discuss baby teeth, dental sealants, and more.
