Preventative Care

Tooth decay is preventable. It is caused in part by sugars left in your mouth that decreases your mouth’s PH, thus promoting the formation of tooth decay. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason – many children and adolescents tend to be lax in their oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away. A low-sugar diet also helps keep tooth decay at bay.

Your child should visit the dentist every 6 months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they “seal” the deep grooves in your child’s teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years, but will be monitored at your regular checkups.

In addition, the frequency of eating or drinking sugary foods could also affect the rate of cavity formation. Avoid constant “nibbling” throughout the day or sipping sugary drinks for prolonged periods.

Regular Check-ups

No matter what your age, visiting the dentist on a regular basis will help keep your teeth and gums healthy, and your smile bright!

The American Dental Association recommends that you, and your child, visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups and routine teeth cleanings; and, we would love to see you here every six months to make sure that your smile is staying healthy!

In addition, those patients with a known susceptibility to periodontitis (gum disease) need to be seen on a more frequent recall schedule (commonly 3 months). This helps to maintain an arrested state in the periodontitis.