Fight Tooth Decay

At Kalamazoo Pediatric Dentistry, we take several steps towards cavity prevention with each of our patients. Here are some of the services we offer that can keep your child cavity-free:

Risk Analysis

We will help you determine your child’s risk of oral diseases, like cavities or gingivitis. To do this, we will ask you questions about home brushing habits and technique, diet and fluoride use.

Cleanings

Your child should have a prophylaxis, or cleaning on a routine basis as prescribed by the dentist. During a cleaning, plaque and tarter are removed from the teeth using a variety of tools. One of our dental hygienists will use a rotary tool to remove visible plaque and will remove build-up below the gum line. Dental hygiene basics will also be addressed in a child-friendly manner.

Sealants

Many young children have sealants placed on their permanent molars. Because these teeth usually have deep pits and grooves, they’re more prone to develop cavities. 90% of decay on permanent teeth Sealants fill these grooves with a hard material that leaves the teeth looking and feeling smooth. The procedure is painless and recommended if the anatomy of the tooth makes it more prone to cavities.

Fluoride

Acids can slowly dissolve tooth surfaces by pulling minerals out of the tooth. This can lead to cavities if left untreated. Fluoride is a mineral that can strengthen tooth surfaces again. It acts as a plug and fills any holes caused by acids. It’s a simple, painless treatment that can stop cavity development in its tracks.

X-Rays

We may recommend x-rays as needed to detect cavities and other dental issues as early as possible. Sometimes, x-rays are the only way to detect a cavity. When a cavity is detected early, we have a higher chance of restoring the tooth instead of having to consider more expensive and invasive procedures.