kid's preventive dentist in Arlington

Preventive Dentistry in Arlington

Get your little one on the right path towards a lifetime of healthy smiles with pediatric dental care at our office. With a focus on prevention and education, our team of experts can help ensure your child's mouth is developing properly and minimize their chances of needing more complex treatment later in life. With gentle techniques and a caring approach, pediatric dentistry can keep your child healthy, so they can focus on what they do best: being a kid!

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Preventive Dentistry

Cleanings & Exams

Just like cleanings and exams for adults, pediatric cleanings and exams are fairly straightforward. Your child’s dental hygienist or dentist will clean their teeth and gums, then their dentist will carefully examine their mouth and any x-rays to look for potential issues with your child’s oral health or development.

You’ll have the opportunity during this visit to speak with your child’s dentist about what to expect during the various stages of their oral development, like when their teeth will be erupting, falling out, then erupting again as adult teeth. We will discuss proper techniques for at-home oral care and hygiene for different age groups, and even talk about nutrition and diet, and how it’s related to your child’s developing oral health.

Preventive Dentistry

Digital X-Rays

Digital x-rays are fast, high-resolution images that capture your child’s jaw and tooth health. X-rays will only be recommended if your child’s dentist thinks they are necessary. For most cases, x-rays are taken every few years, however, your child’s dentist may recommend more if your child is at high risk for oral disease.

Preventive Dentistry

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants use a transparent liquid resin, which is applied directly to the teeth and is hardened using a UV light. This creates an impenetrable seal on your child’s tooth, which stops bacteria, acid, and food particles from causing cavities. This treatment is usually recommended specifically for cavity-prone rear teeth.

Preventive Dentistry

Infant Dentistry

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), a baby should see a dentist within six months of the eruption of their first tooth, or by age one. These early visits are essential for ensuring your child's teeth are developing properly. During these appointments, we'll also inform you of proper hygiene techniques to keep that little smile strong and healthy, along with nutritional guidance to keep cavities at bay.

Preventive Dentistry

Silver Diamine Fluoride

Cavities and toothaches are never fun, especially for your child. When it comes to treating decay in baby teeth, you may be wondering if there are alternatives to dental fillings. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a non-invasive procedure that doesn't require any drills or shots and can be completed in minutes. Painting on a layer of SDF to the affected tooth not only kills the bacteria that cause decay but also seals and remineralizes the tooth for added strength. If your little one has a cavity, fillings may not be the only option!

Preventive Dentistry

Oral Cancer Screenings

Even children need oral cancer screenings! This is an essential part of preventive care that can be performed quickly, safely, and usually without your child noticing.

During the screening, the dentist will examine your child’s mouth, gums, and oral tissues. They’ll look for discolored patches, lumps, growths, and other similar abnormalities. In the rare case that an issue is found, a biopsy may be taken and sent to a specialist for further analysis, or the dentist will refer you to a specialist directly.

Scheduling a dental visit every 6 months allows your child’s dentist to address any issues before they become larger problems.

Preventive Dentistry

Oral Habits

Building a strong foundation for healthy oral habits will establish your child's dental routine for their entire lives. Many people suffer from gum disease and cavities, which costs time, money, and even health problems down the line. With our educational, compassionate care, we are here to give your child the guidance they need to have healthy dental hygiene that will stick with them for a lifetime.

Preventive Dentistry

Sports Guards

Sports guards are worn over the teeth, and are specifically designed to protect your mouth from oral trauma caused by high-impact sports. Many sports put players at risk for dental injuries caused by collisions to the mouth, face, or head, but a custom-fitted sports guard can help protect you from chipping, cracking, or knocking out a tooth. Tailored to fit your unique smile, sports guards are both comfortable and durable, so you can play the sports you love without missing a beat.

A sports guard is essential if you’re an athlete who plays football, basketball, baseball, soccer, rugby, hockey, gymnastics, mountain biking, or if you participate in any other activities that put you at risk for injury due to falling, body contact, or flying objects.