Preventive Care

Since every child is unique it is important to have a custom preventative pediatric dental care plan in place to help protect your child from developing tooth problems in the future. This type of care can be especially important for children who are likely to experience more common dental problems such as cavities, toothaches and rotting teeth. Preventative dental care for children is usually recommended when the child’s first tooth erupts, when their bite has not developed before they are eating solid food.

CLEANINGS

A professional dental cleaning is usually recommended for children who are in the age group of 6 months to 3 years old. Cleaning is important because it helps remove plaque and bacteria from teeth, which can lead to cavities and other problems down the road. Your child's cleaning may include scaling, polishing, and a fluoride varnish application. Scaling helps to remove plaque and calculus that forms in areas missed during daily brushing while the fluoride treatment helps prevent future tooth decay. Whether or not your child may need all three, a cleaning which includes polishing will always be included after every exam which we recommend being done every 6 months. Our team of specialists and pediatric dentists in Indianapolis and West Lafayette will partner with you on a customized plan that specifically addresses their diet and personal oral hygiene.

SURGERY

Surgery may be required to correct oral health issues or to address high levels of decay. Children are evaluated on a case-by-case basis with a surgery and recovery plan discussed upfront and in detail with parents.

EXAMS

During an exam, we will examine the teeth and gums, and review x-rays (if applicable) to check for proper development, help identify tooth decay, and determine if additional treatment is required. We will also assess your child’s oral hygiene and provide recommendations aimed at making future visits even better than the last.

EDUCATION

We want your child to have the best smile around. We’ll do our part by providing them with helpful instruction on brushing and flossing during their visit, but the rest will come down to you helping them form healthy oral hygiene habits. In addition, information on healthy food choices and treatments like fluoride and dental sealants may be discussed.

SEALANTS

Sealants may be recommended as an additional preventative measure which helps to protect the biting surfaces of the teeth. The tooth-colored material is applied into the grooves of the teeth acting as a barrier, protecting their teeth from plaque and acid. The earlier sealants are applied to erupted permanent molars, the better protection they can provide. A single application can last for a number of years and helps prevent future decay.

FLOURIDE VARNISH

A fluoride varnish application is an important element of tooth care for your child and something we include with every exam. It helps to protect teeth from decay and other damage, and can also help to prevent periodontal disease. Fluoride varnish is available in a variety of tasty flavors and is usually something every child looks forward to!

EXTRACTIONS

If a tooth has an abscess, certain traumatic injuries, or too much decay, an extraction may be recommended. In some cases we may recommend the extraction of a permanent tooth prior to orthodontic treatment. We perform both baby tooth extractions and simple extractions of permanent teeth if needed.

X-RAYS

We will thoroughly examine your child’s gums and teeth to locate any areas of concern. Both a clinical exam and x-ray findings will be used to customize treatment recommendations according to your child’s needs. X-rays are an important tool in the early discovery of tooth decay, impacted teeth, and other sometimes hidden oral concerns. We use Panoramic x-rays to monitor and ensure the proper development of a child’s teeth which are perfectly safe and harmless to your child.

DIET AND SNACKS

What are healthy snacks!

Eating healthy and nutritious snacks are not only good for your overall health, but a few of of them can actually help your teeth while you are eating them! Eating raw fruits like apples, pears, pineapple and oranges are great examples of healthy fruits that are good for your teeth. Raw vegetables like broccoli, celery, carrots, cucumbers and tomatoes are also really good you and your teeth!

What’s wrong with sugary snacks, anyway?

Sugary snacks taste so good — but they aren’t so good for your teeth or your body. The candies, cakes, cookies and other sugary foods that kids love to eat between meals can cause tooth decay. Some surgary foods have a lot of fat in them, too. Kids who consume sugary snacks eat many different kinds of sugar every day, including table sugar (sucrose) and corn sweeteners (fructose). Starchy snacks can also break down into sugars once they’re in your mouth.

What’s wrong with sugary snacks, anyway?

BRUSHING TIPS

In children, teeth should be cleaned as soon as they emerge. By starting early, your baby gets used to the daily routine. A soft washcloth wrapped around your finger can substitute for a brush when teeth first appear.

Here are some tips for taking care of your child’s teeth:

Choose a small, child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush. Soaking the brush in warm water for a few minutes before brushing can soften the bristles even more.
Both the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend using an amount of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice as soon as your baby’s first tooth appears. You can graduate to a pea-sized amount when your child turns 3 years old.
Brush your child’s teeth twice a day – in the morning and just before bed. Spend 2 minutes brushing, concentrating a good portion of this time on the back molars. This is an area where cavities often first develop. Take turns brushing with your child, as she may want to help.
Replace the toothbrush every 3 or 4 months, or sooner if it shows signs of wear. Never share a toothbrush with others.
Start flossing your child’s teeth once a day as soon as two teeth emerge that touch. The use of floss sticks or picks instead of regular string floss may be easier for both you and your child.