Preventative Dentistry in Taylor

Preventative dentistry is an essential aspect of oral healthcare. It involves taking proactive measures to prevent oral diseases, such as tooth decay and gum disease. By teaching children good oral hygiene habits and providing them with the necessary tools, parents can help their children maintain good oral health throughout their lives. Here are some of the ways to practice preventative dentistry at home:

Brushing, flossing, and oral habits:

• Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and learning to brush properly
• Flossing once a day to remove plaque and food particles
• Encouraging rinsing with water after meals
• Limiting sugary foods and drinks to prevent cavities
• Avoiding hard foods, such as popcorn and ice, that can crack or chip teeth

Monitoring dental development

• Regular dental check-ups can help detect early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems

Proper diet

• Encouraging a healthy and balanced diet can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease
• Providing healthy snacks, such as fruits and vegetables, instead of sugary snacks
• Teaching good oral hygiene habits and supervising children until they can do it on their own

Sports safety:

• Mouthguards can help prevent dental injuries during sports activities

Dental sealants are a preventive treatment that involves applying a thin plastic coating to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from decay.

The process of applying dental sealants is simple and painless. The dental hygienist first cleans the teeth to remove any debris and then dries them thoroughly. The sealant material is then painted onto the grooves and fissures of the teeth and allowed to dry for a few seconds. Sometimes a special light is used to help the sealant harden.

Once the dental sealants are in place, they create a barrier between the teeth and harmful bacteria and acids that can cause cavities. Dental sealants are particularly effective for children and teenagers who may have difficulty reaching the back teeth with their toothbrushes. The procedure is quick and easy, and typically takes only a few minutes per tooth.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a mineral that works by remineralizing areas of the tooth enamel that may have been weakened by acid produced by bacteria in the mouth. Fluoride treatments can help strengthen teeth and making them more resistant to decay.

During a chairside fluoride treatment, the dentist will first thoroughly clean the teeth to remove any plaque or debris. The fluoride gel or varnish is then applied to the teeth using a brush, swab, or tray and left on the teeth for a few minutes to allow for absorption.

After the treatment, the patient is advised not to eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes to allow the fluoride to fully absorb into the teeth. Chairside fluoride treatments are a quick and painless procedure that can provide significant benefits for maintaining good oral health.

"Is fluoride safe for my child?"

Yes. Fluoride has been endorsed by the ADA, CDC, WHO, and American Academy of Pediatrics for decades. At the concentrations used in dental treatments and toothpaste, fluoride strengthens enamel and prevents cavities without health risks. We use age-appropriate amounts and always supervise application.

"When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?"

Start cleaning your baby's gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings — even before teeth appear. Once the first tooth erupts, begin brushing with a soft infant toothbrush and a rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Parents should brush for their children until about age 6–7.

"My child drinks juice and milk at bedtime — is that a problem?"

Yes — this is one of the leading causes of early childhood cavities. When a child falls asleep with a bottle or sippy cup containing anything other than water, the sugars pool around the teeth for hours, creating an ideal environment for decay. We recommend transitioning to water-only at bedtime and brushing teeth after the last feeding.