Preventative Care

Pediatric Dentistry of Central Florida is dedicated to keeping your child’s teeth healthy and strong because we know that good oral health is fundamental to good overall health. In addition to good and consistent oral care efforts at home, regular dental visits are essential to help prevent and minimize dental disease.

Home oral care begins early, well
before the eruption of baby teeth.

How Often Should my Child
See the Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend a dental check-up at least twice a year for most children and adults. However, some children and adults require more frequent visits due to their risk for tooth decay or need for more frequent dental cleanings due to braces, poor oral hygiene, and increased risk of gum disease. One of our pediatric dentists will evaluate any specific needs and recommend a personal dental prevention plan for your child.

What can I Expect at my
Child’s Dental Visit?

Your child’s age and ability to reason typically dictates what preventive procedures will occur at their visit. Children less than three years of age usually do not tolerate much more than an oral exam wherein the doctor “counts” teeth and examines all the hard and soft tissues of the mouth.

As children mature beyond the age of three, their ability to reason and tolerate more involved preventive procedures increases. An oral exam along with a cleaning and fluoride treatment can be expected at every check-up visit. X rays are taken periodically, and their frequency is determined by your child’s risk factors along with their stage of growth and development. The purpose for all this is to detect early signs of disease in the mouth to either the teeth and or gums. Remember, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, meaning identifying and treating minor problems early can spare you the time and expense of more complicated and costly dental procedures.

What are Dental Sealants and
How do They Work?

A preventive approach to minimize the risk for dental decay, a sealant is a clear or shaded hardened plastic (no BPA) dental material applied to the vulnerable crevices on the chewing surface of the back teeth (premolars and molars). The sealant acts as a barrier to food debris, plaque and bacteria protecting these cavity prone areas of the teeth. One of our pediatric dentists will discuss with you whether sealants are right for your child and how easily they are applied.

Mouthguards, How Important are They?

Participating in sports is great fun but it can quickly turn sour in the event of injury. Sports are one of the most common causes for dental injuries and an emergency visit to the dental office.

To protect your child’s smile and teeth on the field or court, we recommend that they should always wear a mouthguard. This is especially true for any sport that carries the risk for collision with anyone or anything. In addition to providing a protective layer of cushion for their teeth, lips, and gums, mouthguards have also been shown to reduce the risk of concussions.

There are many options when it comes to mouthguards, but a custom-made mouthguard will provide your child with superior comfort and protection. Allow one of our pediatric dentists to discuss mouthguard options for your athlete.