Preventive Dentistry – Chesterfield, MO
Never Letting Pesky Cavities Get The Best Of Your Child’s Smile
Our team understands that your child is still learning how to properly care for their smile, which is why we focus our efforts on providing thorough and effective preventive dentistry in Chesterfield, MO. We aim to reduce plaque and tartar buildup and prevent oral health problems with regular checkups and cleanings and cavity-prevention treatments. We also find fun and exciting ways to encourage your little one to take care of their teeth and gums at home as well.
Why Choose Homer Sedighi, D.M.D. for Preventive Dentistry?
- Clear Digital X-Ray Imaging
- Licensed Pediatric Dentist
- Fun Themed Treatment Rooms
Dental Checkups & Cleanings
Simply put, routine checkups and cleanings are essential in keeping your child’s oral health decay and infection-free. While the first portion of their visit is dedicated to an oral exam, which will catch concerns like cavities in the early stages, the second involves a gentle cleaning that will remove built-up plaque and tartar. So, it’s not hard to see why they are a key component of any solid oral hygiene regimen!
Oral Cancer Screening
Routine oral cancer screenings are simple and only take a few minutes, but in some cases, they can be life-saving. Our team will visually inspect your child’s lips and the outside of their mouth in search of any out-of-the-ordinary symptoms. We’ll then ask them to open their mouth and make an “Ahhh” sound so we can view the back of their throat. After gently palpating underneath their jaw and examining the roof of their mouth, the screening will be complete. This process allows us to spot any abnormalities and refer them for additional testing if necessary.
Dental Sealants
Children are often at a greater risk of developing cavities due to the fact that they’re still learning about how to take care of their smile. Plus, for children with deep grooves and pits in their adult teeth, this can make cavities a serious threat. Dental sealants are white shields that we can paint over the biting surface of their adult molars to keep food debris and plaque from settling on their teeth and staying there. Once placed, they can continue providing lasting protection for several years.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that can be found in fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as oral hygiene products and local water sources. Without enough of it, your child could be at a higher risk of developing cavities because it helps strengthen their enamel, which is the protective outer layer of their teeth. We may suggest getting a fluoride treatment at the end of their visit. It’s fast and easy, all we do is place a fluoridated gel on the surface of their teeth and wipe it off before they leave.
At-Home Oral Hygiene Education
Do you have a difficult time picking out oral hygiene products for your child to use at home? Many people become overwhelmed at the sheer number of toothpastes, mouthwashes, and toothbrushes in the oral health aisle at department stores. We recommend choosing any products that have the ADA seal of approval on it. This means that they have been clinically tested and proven to be both effective and safe for your child’s smile. We can also educate you and your child about proper brushing, flossing, and mouth-washing techniques.
Oral Habits
While habits like thumb-sucking and pacifier-use are typical for infants, as your child starts getting older, not breaking these habits can impact the growth of their jaws and the way their permanent teeth grow in. Although some children may naturally abandon thumb-sucking between two and four, others may not. Be sure to contact our dental office if you notice your child’s front teeth jutting out or you can’t seem to break them of their habits. Our team will provide you with tips and advice on the best ways to get them to stop thumb-sucking or pacifier use.