Preventive Dentistry
Las Vegas, NV
 Prevention is the key to a healthy and beautiful smile, especially for children. At Changing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in several preventive services to help your child maintain excellent oral health.
Cleanings, exams, and x-rays are the backbone of preventive dentistry. Professional cleanings can reduce or eliminate plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) deposits. Diagnostic tools like x-rays allow us to catch instances of decay and gum disease before they result in major complications.
Routine dental exams and cleanings should start from a very young age. During these first visits, we will carefully count your child’s existing teeth, provide a gentle cleaning, and perform an examination so that we can ensure there are no developmental problems that need attention.
As your child grows, our approach grows with them. We will begin to provide other preventive services that can help strengthen their smiles against the ongoing threat of decay. We’ll meet your child treatment needs until 18, and by then, we hope to have instilled good oral health habits and techniques that will last their lifetime!
Infant Exams
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends your child visit the dentist by their first birthdate or when the first tooth erupts! At this visit we will provide a gentle cleaning, exam, and education to protect your child’s smile now and into the future.
Digital X-Rays
Digital X-rays are a state-of-the-art diagnostic tool we use to provide your child with the best possible care. They are important for diagnosing abscessed teeth, decay, missing teeth, trauma, and jaw development. Digital radiography makes the process fast and more convenient than ever before.
During your first appointment, Dr. Meads can show you the proper brushing technique for your infant or toddler. As the child grows older, we will show them the proper technique as well. Our goal is to make education fun and enjoyable, which helps your child establish better oral hygiene habits.
Flossing is equally as important as brushing, yet many children still struggle to do it every day. Flossing is an effective way to remove food debris and bacteria from in between the teeth. It is also the best way to prevent gum disease.
The posterior teeth, mainly the molars and premolars, have deep grooves and fissures in the occlusal (bite) surface. These areas can trap bacteria, which ultimately results in tooth decay. A dental sealant is a plastic coating placed on the occlusal surface to protect the tooth from this harmful bacteria.
Your teeth have tiny pits and grooves that make cleaning the accumulation of food and bacteria difficult. A sealant is a material applied over a molar to make cleaning easier. Applying sealants are quick, comfortable, and reduces risk of cavities!
Sports and other physical activities can put your child’s teeth at risk of injury. A sportsguard is a plastic appliance the protects the teeth from trauma. We may also recommend a mouthguard if your child grinds their teeth in their sleep. Bruxism (teeth grinding) can result in severe enamel wear that affects the aesthetics and structure of their teeth.
Fluoride treatment is a routine part of pediatric dentistry. Despite popular misconceptions, fluoride can be immensely beneficial to your child’s oral health. This naturally-occurring mineral can strengthen enamel and even reverse minor instances of decay. Dr. Meads will assess the need for fluoride treatment during your child’s initial appointment.
Silver Diamine Fluoride
Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease. To protect the developing psyche of young children and those with special needs, we sometimes employ Silver Diamine Fluoride to stop cavity progression without the need to numb or drill on your child’s tooth.
Dietary Education
Oral health depends on proper nutrition and healthy eating habits from birth. Diet counseling is an integral part of anticipatory guidance along with proper brushing technique. Our doctor and staff will evaluate your child’s dietary habits and educate the entire family to assist in developing a lifetime of healthy choices.
Schedule a Consultation
If you would like to find out more about our preventive services, our team is happy to help. Call (702) 472-7259 to schedule your child’s initial consultation today!
FAQs
What is preventive dentistry for children?
Preventive dentistry for children focuses on protecting teeth and gums before problems develop. At Changing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, our dental team may provide exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and education to help children build healthy habits and reduce the risk of cavities.
Why are routine dental visits important for kids?
Routine dental visits allow our dentists to monitor your child’s tooth development, check for early signs of decay, clean areas that are hard to reach at home, and provide guidance for better brushing and flossing. Regular visits can help prevent small concerns from becoming more serious dental problems.
How do fluoride treatments help prevent cavities?
Fluoride treatments help strengthen tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to acids that can cause cavities. Our dental team may recommend fluoride as part of your child’s preventive care plan, especially if they have a higher risk of tooth decay.
Are dental sealants part of preventive dentistry?
Yes. Dental sealants are a common preventive treatment that places a thin protective coating over the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Sealants help keep food particles and bacteria out of deep grooves where cavities often develop in children.
How can parents support preventive dental care at home?
Parents can support preventive dental care by helping children brush with fluoride toothpaste, encouraging daily flossing, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, and scheduling routine visits at Changing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. Our dental team can also provide age-appropriate tips to make home care easier and more effective.
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