Treatments

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends visits to your pediatric dentist every six months starting at 1 year of age or when the first teeth erupt. These visits will give your child a headstart on a lifetime of good oral health and allow them to stay ahead of any problems before they start.

Diet should not be underestimated in its effect on decay prevention. Limiting snacking on sugary and processed foods can make a big difference in your child’s risk for decay. Ask us for more information on personalized dietary recommendations and snack ideas. One of Dr. Jana’s favorite tooth-friendly snacks is grapes and cheese!

Fluoride is one of the best understood ways of helping to strengthen tooth structure and prevent decay. Most children will benefit from a professional strength application every six months; those who are at a higher risk for decay may benefit from more frequent applications or a prescription fluoride toothpaste. The AAPD recommends using a fluoride-containing toothpaste two times a day for all children as soon as their first teeth begin to erupt. For children under 3 years of age, you’ll want to use a rice size amount and from 3 to 6 you’ll want to use roughly a pea-size. Ask us for more tips and tricks on how to keep your child’s teeth healthy at home.

Permanent molars erupt for most children around 6 and 12 years of age. When these teeth first erupt they are particularly susceptible to decay in the deep pits and fissures that form the anatomy of the chewing surfaces. Sealants are a way of filling in these deepest pits and fissures to prevent food and bacteria from getting caught in these hard to clean areas. You can almost think of them like a non-stick coating for your teeth that can help to strengthen the enamel.