Preventative Dentistry

Preventive dentistry protects your child’s teeth, gums, and smile from common oral health problems like cavities and gum disease. At Pinellas Pediatric Dentistry in Largo and Seminole, Florida, board-certified pediatric dentist Nancy Montgomery-Easley, DMD, and her team offer preventive pediatric dentistry to toddlers, children, and teens. Routine checkups and patient education promote good oral health into adulthood. Call the nearest Pinellas Pediatric Dentistry office to schedule your child’s preventive dentistry, or book an appointment online today.

Why is preventive dentistry necessary for children?

Preventive dentistry is necessary for children because it catches potential problems like tooth decay and gum disease when they’re easier to treat. Routine preventive dentistry checkups at Pinellas Pediatric Dentistry provide peace of mind and ensure that your child’s mouth stays healthy.

Which services are included in preventive pediatric dentistry?

The Pinellas Pediatric Dentistry team offers several preventive pediatric dentistry services, including:

Oral exams

An oral exam assesses your child’s oral health. Your child’s dentist checks for cavities, gum disease, and alignment problems. They also make sure that your child’s adult teeth have plenty of room to come in.

Professional teeth cleaning

During a professional teeth cleaning, a dental hygienist or dental technician removes plaque –– a hard buildup of food, bacteria, and saliva –– from your child’s teeth and beneath their gums.

Nutrition education

Kids love starchy snacks and sugary drinks like juice and soda, but these foods and beverages are bad for their teeth and gums. The Pinellas Pediatric Dentistry team regularly educates parents on good nutrition. Their insights reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease, ensuring that your child’s mouth stays healthy.

Digital X-rays

Digital X-rays use electronic sensors to capture detailed photos of your child’s tooth roots, jaw, and alveolar (the bone that anchors their upper teeth).

Fluoride treatment

Fluoride treatment applies a fluoride gel, foam, or varnish to the surfaces of your child’s teeth. After application, the fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and repels harmful bacteria, reducing your child’s risk of cavities.

Sealants

Sealants are plastic coverings that your child’s dentist applies to the teeth at the back of their mouth. Dental sealants protect the chewing surfaces of those teeth, reducing the risk of tooth decay.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics uses custom oral appliances, like metal braces or removable plastic aligners, to straighten your child’s teeth and jaw. Guiding your child’s teeth and jaws into the proper position reduces the risk of common oral health problems.

How often does my child need preventive dentistry?

Schedule preventive dentistry for your child at Pinellas Pediatric Dentistry at least twice a year. Your child might need more frequent checkups if they have a history of cavities or are having their teeth straightened.

Call the nearest Pinellas Pediatric Dentistry office to schedule your child’s preventive dentistry, or book an appointment online today.