Smile Shine Dental - Dr. Jas Grewal, General Dentist in Patterson, CA

Preventive dentistry means a healthy smile and starts in childhood. Many of the same topics for prevention of dental problems in adults apply to children. For children, additional consideration is given to their nutrition, which is important while their teeth are forming, as well as the formation of good dental habits. Preventive dental care for children includes:

Proper nutrition and dietary habits

Brushing and flossing

Fluoride

Regular dental check-ups

Assessing risk for developing cavities

Evaluating oral growth and development

Oral health education

Protection against injuries

Management of oral habits

Guidance of erupting teeth

Sealants

Smile Shine Dental practices preventive dentistry, not only for you with your cleaning, exams, and treatment, but for children. However, we understand and seek to educate you as a parent in your role as you teach and protect your child's dental beauty and smile. Preventive dentistry for children, in addition to regular dental visits, requires parental involvement with daily oral care at home.

Preventive dentistry is very important for the following reasons. Children with a healthy mouth have a better chance of general health. Oral conditions can interfere with eating and adequate nutritional intake, speaking, self-esteem, and daily activities. Severe decay can affect growth and development. Children with dental pain may be unable to concentrate in school. A healthy mouth is more attractive, giving children confidence in their appearance. Finally, preventive dentistry can result in less extensive -- and less expensive -- treatment for your child

Preventive dentistry begins as early as the first tooth. Daily cleaning of the teeth should begin as soon as the first tooth erupts. Visit us at Smile Shine Dental at the eruption of the first tooth or no later than 12 months of age to establish a dental home. Early dental visits are the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental disease and helping your child build a cavity-free smile.

After completing a thorough oral examination and assessing your child’s risk for developing cavities, our dentists will design a personalized preventive program of home care for your child. This program will include brushing and flossing instructions, diet counseling and, if necessary, fluoride recommendations. By following these directions, you can help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.

Tooth cleaning and polishing and fluoride treatments are all part of your child’s prevention program. However, there is much more. For example, your pediatric dentist can apply sealants to protect your child from tooth decay, help you select a mouthguard to prevent sports injuries to the face and teeth, and provide early diagnosis and care of orthodontic problems. Our goal is to develop a combination of office and home preventive care to insure your child a happy smile.