A Complete Guide to Preventative Dentistry for Kids

Over half of children have some level of tooth decay by age 6. This is largely due to a lack of preventative dental care and is a concerning statistic, considering that children with poor oral health are three times as likely to miss school or perform poorly in school due to tooth pain.

Preventive dentistry focuses on preventing oral health issues through home care and regular dental visits. Not only is preventive dental care for kids important to avoid tooth decay, but it is also important for establishing good dental habits early on, which can lead to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Read on to learn more about how pediatric preventative dentistry can help prevent your child from painful cavities and where to find the best pediatric dentists in Palo Alto.

4 Ways Preventative Dentistry Can Help Prevent Pediatric Cavities in Palo Alto

Untreated tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases among children. However, it can be prevented with good oral health habits at home and preventative measures, including:

1. Regular Dental Exams

Regular dental exams are a foundational aspect of pediatric preventative dentistry. They serve as a proactive measure to ensure the early detection and treatment of potential dental issues like cavities or periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. During these dental checkups, your child’s dentist can:

• Assess the growth and development of a child's teeth through observation and dental x-rays
• Prevent cavities by removing plaque and tartar buildup from the tooth surfaces and gum line with professional dental cleaning
• Apply preventative treatments to protect against decay
• Recommend additional treatment options, such as space maintainers to guide permanent teeth into place, or laser dentistry for painless cavity repair
• Identify if your child is at higher risk of developing cavities or orthodontic issues

2. Professional Dental Cleanings

Professional dental cleanings effectively remove plaque and tartar buildup that can be missed with regular brushing and flossing. This preventive measure helps to reduce the risk factors of cavities and gingivitis — the early stage of gum disease.

Additionally, dental cleanings allow dentists to assess the child's overall oral health, identify potential concerns, and offer guidance on proper oral hygiene practices at home, including tips for more effective brushing and flossing.

3. Dental Sealants

Dental sealants play a significant role in pediatric preventative dentistry by providing a protective barrier against tooth decay.

This thin, protective coating is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where cavities are most likely to develop. By sealing off the deep grooves and crevices of the molars and premolars, dental sealants effectively prevent food particles and bacteria from accumulating and causing decay. According to the CDC, dental sealants can prevent 80% of cavities on the chewing surfaces of the molars.

4. Fluoride Treatment

Parents often ask, “Is fluoride safe?” Yes, in fact, fluoride plays a crucial role in pediatric preventative dentistry by strengthening the enamel of developing teeth and making them more resistant to plaque and tartar build-up. It can also reverse early signs of tooth decay.

Fluoride is commonly found in toothpaste, mouth rinses, and professional dental treatments. The CDC has recognized water fluoridation as one of the top ten public health achievements of the 20th century due to its significant impact on reducing cavities. By incorporating fluoride into a child's oral care routine, parents and caregivers can help fortify their teeth against decay and promote long-term dental health.

When and How Often Should My Child See a Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends your child should have their first visit to the dentist within six months of getting their first tooth or no later than age one. After this initial visit, children should continue to see the dentist every six months for regular check-ups and cleanings. These biannual visits are important for several reasons:

• Monitoring for signs of tooth decay and recommending treatments like silver diamine fluoride as a non-invasive treatment of early cavities
• Observing how the teeth are erupting and making recommendations for early orthodontic care if needed
• Providing parents with guidance on how to care for their child's teeth at home
• Recommending habit-breaking appliances if necessary for proper tooth eruption

Regular dental visits are a cornerstone of preventative dentistry and play a vital role in maintaining children's oral health, avoiding tooth extractions, and building a familiar habit of getting regular dental care from a young age.

Where to Find the Best Pediatric Dentist in Palo Alto

Preventative dentistry can reduce your child’s risk of tooth decay and cavities — and help them avoid the pain and discomfort associated with dental cavities and the potential for more severe health issues later in life.

Dr. Michelle Haghpanah and Dr. Reena Grover are committed to providing the highest-quality preventative dental care to the children of Palo Alto. From your child’s very first visit, the team at Little Bytes Dentistry is committed to ensuring that they have the most comfortable and enjoyable experience possible.

With the most up-to-date dental techniques and technology available, Little Bytes continues to be a leader in pediatric dentistry in the Silicon Valley area. It provides preventative care, emergency dental care, early orthodontics, and more.

Ready to schedule your child’s next cleaning and checkup with the best dentist for children in Palo Alto?