Preventive dental care is especially important for your child. During regular cleaning and dental examination visits, Dr. Hobbs will check your child's teeth and advise you of any concerns, such as tooth decay or orthodontic development issues. Baby teeth serve a vital purpose as the permanent teeth develop; we will also talk with you about how to care for your child's teeth to help ensure they are not lost prematurely due to tooth decay.
We generally see children at age 3 and above in our office. For younger children or children with non-routine needs, Dr. Hobbs may recommend that your child see a children's dental specialist, or pediatric dentist.
Dr. Hobbs may recommend services to protect your child's teeth from dental decay to keep the teeth healthy and pain-free. Affordable, safe and effective children's preventive dental treatments include:
Fluoride Treatments
Dental fluoride is a mineral that helps to make tooth enamel stronger and more resistant to decay. Our dental hygienists may apply a clear coat of fluoride teeth ‘varnish’ to your child's teeth at regular cleaning visits.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent teeth to seal tiny grooves, pits and shallow indentations in the enamel. Sealing the tooth helps to prevent bacteria from penetrating into areas where the tooth brush is unable to reach. The smooth, plastic coating of the dental sealant also makes it easier to keep the tooth surface clean with good brushing habits.
Sealants do not require drilling or getting numb, which makes this a great treatment to familiarize your child with visiting the dentist. They are also a low-cost investment in your child's dental health; sealants help avoid major procedures such as cavity fillings and crowns. Dr. Hobbs and our dental hygienists will check your child's sealants during their regular dental check-ups and recommend replacement as needed.