What all is included in preventive dentistry?

Brushing, flossing, fluorides, oral habits, proper diet, sealants, dental development, orthodontics and parent involvement, these are the things that are included in the preventive dentistry. All the pediatric dentists are trained in preventive dentistry.

Is preventive dentistry is important thing to do?

As a parent you always wish well for your children. You always pray that your child remains healthy. Dental care is also an important part of being healthy. Hence by giving preventive dentistry treatment to your child, you are giving him a priceless gift, which he or she will cherish all through their life.

When Should I start preventive dentistry for my child?

As mentioned earlier, it should start when you see first tooth coming in. Take appointment with your pediatric dentist and they will help you know each and everything about teeth and gums care.

How parents can play an important role in preventive dentistry?

When you will take your child to dentist, he or she will guide you about how you can take dental care of your child at home. The dentist will also guide you about brushing, flossing and diet related issues. Thus the role of parent is very important, as only parents can teach good habits to their kids.

What is a pit fissure sealant? and How is it applied?

The top surfaces of your teeth - where the chewing takes place - aren't smooth and flat. They are cris-crossed with tiny hills and valleys - called pits and fissures. These are places where plaque can build up safe from your toothbrush and dental floss. Some of the pits and fissures are so narrow that even a single bristle from your toothbrush can't get deep enough to clean them out.

One method of preventing cavities from developing in the pits and fissures is to seal them off with a special varnish called a pit and fissure sealant. If your dentist determines that you need a pit and fissure sealant to help protect your teeth from decay, some special steps are taken to prepare the teeth first. Your dentist will clean the tooth first, then apply a mild acid solution to 'etch' the surface and make it easier for the pit and fissure sealant to stick.

Will it help in preventing dental problems?

Preventive dentistry includes many things apart from brushing, flossing and diet guidelines. The dentist will apply fissure sealants, which are very effective in preventing tooth decay by coating the fissures with sealants. The dentist will also select mouth guard, so as to protect your child from sport injuries. All the orthodontic problems that will arise in your child will also be taken well care of. Hence in short preventive dentistry is highly beneficial in preventing various dental problems.

Once your kids gets into habit f taking proper care of their teeth, the habits will become an inseparable part of their life. From them the good habits will pass on to their kids and thus we will get to see cavity free generations. The dentist will guide about various preventive measures that your kid can get so as to reduce the chances of getting tooth decay and various gum diseases.