Preventative care is one of the main focuses at Ann Arbor Pediatric Dentistry. We believe that focusing on preventative care will help our patients enjoy a lifetime of good dental health!
Check-Ups and Cleanings
Infancy to Two Years Old
- For your child’s first visit until they turn 3 years old they will be seen by one of our pediatric dentists and not a hygienist for their cleaning.
- Many young children are not ready to sit in the dental chair alone at this age and feel more comfortable sitting on their parent’s lap for a “knee-to-knee” dental exam and cleaning.
Three Years Old to Adolescence
- Once your child reaches the age of three, they may be ready to transition to seeing one of our amazing dental hygienists for their dental cleaning and a pediatric dentist will complete their check-up exam during their visit.
- Between the ages of three and six, we encourage children to start learning to brush their teeth on their own, but we recommend parents help their children brush at home until the children are at least eight years old.
- We believe in spending quality time with each child during their appointments and we work with them to find the best at-home dental care routine that is tailored to their specific needs!
Fluoride
- Fluoride has been shown to prevent cavities in both children and adults. Fluoride can be found in fluoridated water, toothpaste, and mouth rinse.
- In children, fluoride can help strengthen both the teeth they already have and the teeth that are still developing under the gums.
At-Home Fluoride Use:
- According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, fluoride toothpaste is recommended to reduce cavities in children.
- Children less than three years old should use no more than a smear or rice-size amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- Children aged three to six years old should use no more than a pea-size of fluoride toothpaste.
- Fluoride mouth rinse is recommended for children aged six or older who can spit, and who are at high risk for dental cavities.
In-Office Topical Fluoride Varnish:
- Fluoride varnish is a treatment that is offered at our office during a child’s dental check-up. The fluoride varnish is painted on the teeth after the child’s teeth are cleaned.
- Fluoride varnish has a higher concentration of fluoride than is found in toothpaste. Children are able to eat and drink immediately after the fluoride varnish is painted on.
Xylitol (Fluoride Alternative)
- Xylitol is a sugar alternative that has been shown to reduce cavities.
- Xylitol products come in many forms including toothpaste, chewing gum, and candy.
Sealants
- A sealant is a protective coating that covers the deep pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of the tooth. This helps to prevent food particles from getting caught in the pits and grooves, which can cause cavities.
Mouth Guards
- Mouth guards are an important piece of athletic equipment that can help protect children’s teeth.
- Our office offers custom-made mouth guards that are properly fitted which makes them more comfortable to wear.
- We recommend children wear a mouth guard for any sport that could result in trauma to the mouth or face.
