Preventive Care
Dr. Buzz and his entire team are passionate about educating our patients and parents about the importance of oral health. Preventive dental care is something we emphansize to protect your child's smile from tooth decay (cavity bugs). We feel if we educate, especially at a young age, your child can keep a healthy and bright smile for years to come. Here are some instructions for proper at-home dental care:
Regular Exams
An Oral evaluation is recommended every six (6) months. Regular exams are an important part of maintaining your child's oral health. During your child’s regular exam, we will:
- Check for any problems that may not be seen or felt
- Look for cavities or any other signs of tooth decay
- Inspect the teeth and gums for gingivitis and signs of periodontal disease
Dental Cleanings(Prophylaxis)
Regular cleanings help keep gingiva (gums) healthy and teeth cavity-free. A dental cleaning includes removal of tartar, hard stuff that can not be removed with your toothbrush, and plaque. It also includes polishing with a special toothpaste to remove stains and help prevent further buildup of plaque.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a natural substance that helps strenghten teeth and prevent decay. Fluoride treatments are administered at our office as an important component of pediatric dental preventive treatment.
Sealants
A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces (grooves) of the back teeth (premolars and molars), where four out of five cavities in children are found. This sealant acts as a barrier to food, plaque and acid, thus protecting the decay-prone areas of the teeth.
Digital X-Rays
Dental X-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool used to identify decay, extra teeth, bone defects, tumors, cysts and evaluate proper growth and development. Digital X-rays can also reduce your child’s exposure to radiation by up to 80 percent. They produce instant, high-quality images that can be viewed immediately by Dr. Buzz, dental hygientists, patient, and parent.
Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are used to keep teeth from drifting into an empty tooth space due to early loss of primary (baby) teeth. Baby teeth act as a guide for the eruption of the permanent teeth. A space maintainer is made of stainless steel and/or plastic. It can be removable or fixed to the teeth.