We focus on preventing decay in our patients by discussing caries risk, oral hygiene, and dietary issues as needed at every exam. We screen for any cavity risk areas and plan our exam schedule, X-ray schedule, and fluoride treatment as needed to best serve your child. We check for issues with tooth or jaw development at our exams, and discuss mouthguards for our sport players as needed.
Regular Exams
If your child requires no dental treatment, we typically recommend scheduling preventive visits every six months. Some children may be seen every three months if they are considered higher risk for decay. X-rays are planned on an individual basis.
Fluoride
Studies show that fluoride is very effective in reducing tooth decay in children. We review home sources of fluoride, the appropriate use of fluoride toothpaste for different aged children, and place fluoride as needed at our exam and cleaning appointments.
Sealants
Some teeth, commonly permanent molars, have naturally developing grooves and pits that are very susceptible to tooth decay. A sealant is a protective coating that fills in these grooves to make the tooth smooth and less prone to decay. Sealants are easy to apply, with no numbing needed. We use BPA-free sealant material, and check the retention of the sealant and touch up as needed at our exam appointments.
Xrays
Dental X-rays help dentists detect issues such as cavities not visible during a regular dental exam. How often X-rays should be taken depends on your present oral health, your age, your risk for disease, and any signs and symptoms of oral disease.
If you have any questions about our services, please contact us today at (510) 964-0168.