At Speedway Pediatric Dentistry, we provide expert preventive dentistry in Indianapolis to help children maintain healthy smiles from the very beginning. Maintaining dental health is crucial. It’s important not to wait until a dental problem, such as tooth decay, appears. By the time a tooth signals a problem, it may be too late for a simple solution. Regular dental care, including teeth cleaning, prevents issues from escalating. Addressing potential concerns early ensures your child’s dental well-being.
Preventive dentistry in Indianapolis plays a crucial role in preserving overall health, particularly in children.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), early preventive dental care significantly reduces the risk of cavities and long-term oral health complications.
Habits like frequent snacking and poor hygiene can cause serious damage. If left unaddressed, this damage may develop in just six months. Parents who immediately implement our preventative health care methods, in conjunction with regular dental check-ups and dental cleanings from the first year of their child’s life, have been able to avoid major procedures. In the end, being diligent from the very beginning will not only save you time and money but will also help your child avoid painful and uncomfortable dental procedures. Schedule your visit today to start preventive care and ensure your child’s dental well-being.
Sealants
Many children have deep pits and grooves in their teeth. These can increase the risk of gum disease, cavities, or tooth decay. Maintaining daily oral hygiene and a healthy diet is essential. Another way we help prevent cavities is by placing dental sealants. First, the tooth is thoroughly cleaned. Then, the sealant material flows into vulnerable areas and hardens. The procedure is quick and completely painless.
The application of dental sealants prevents the accumulation of bacteria, food particles, and plaque in the deep grooves of teeth, areas often difficult to clean with a toothbrush. This preventive measure is crucial in averting dental problems and maintaining oral health. Without the sealant, it can be nearly impossible for even the most diligent parents and children to keep cavities at bay, underscoring the value of this dental service in combating poor oral health. We have found this to be a simple way to prevent our young patients from getting cavities.
Regular Fluoride Treatments
Preventive care for kids, including fluoride treatments, helps prevent cavities. It also strengthens weak teeth. Fluoride is already available in food, water, and most toothpaste. During cleanings, we apply fluoride varnish directly to the teeth. This topical application boosts tooth strength and overall oral health. The procedure is easy, affordable, and painless. Though short, its benefits last a long time.
We highly recommend that children have this done from the early years, all the way through their teenage years and in other case-specific situations. Statistically, if your child gets regular fluoride treatments, their risk getting cavities decreases by thirty percent. This is significant when you are considering the overall health and cost of dental disease for your child. Rest assured, we are always on the lookout for the latest and greatest technology and procedures that are at our disposal to ensure that your child is as healthy and comfortable as possible.
Preventive Dentistry Indianapolis Includes Healthy Diet Education
Preventive care is key in managing the invisible bacteria that constantly reside in your mouth, particularly for kids. These bacteria contribute to the formation of a sticky material called plaque on the surface of the teeth. When sugar is consumed, the bacteria in the plaque feed on it, converting it into acids capable of dissolving tooth enamel, leading to cavities. That’s how cavities get started. By incorporating a dental plan that limits sugar intake and includes prompt dental cleanings, the production of these harmful acids can be significantly reduced. This approach not only minimizes the risk of enamel erosion but also reinforces overall oral hygiene and health.
Eating healthy snacks benefits your overall health. Some snacks even help your teeth while you eat them. Teeth cleaning and preventive care support your health and your gums. They also help prevent tooth loss. Consuming nutritious snacks is an important part of this care. Raw fruits like apples, pears, pineapple, and oranges provide less food for bacteria. Raw vegetables such as broccoli, celery, carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes are also great for teeth and gums.
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 sugary 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. We know it is hard to keep kids away from these foods, especially when being used as a reward, but minimizing snacking on damaging foods at mealtime and excellent oral hygiene practices can minimize damage