Preventive Care Recommendations
Regular Dental Visits
- Schedule check-ups every six months.
- Regular visits allow for early detection and minimally invasive intervention when indicated, as well as patient education and anticipatory guidance for both the patient and parent
Fluoride Treatments
- Professional fluoride strengthens enamel and protects against cavities.
- Recommended at least twice a year for all children, and more often for children at higher risk of decay.
Dental Sealants
- Sealants protect the grooves of the back teeth where most cavities occur.
- This simple, painless protective shield can significantly reduce the risk of cavities in permanent molars—and in some cases, caries-susceptible baby teeth.
At Little Pearls Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here to partner with you in building healthy habits that last a lifetime. With the right routine at home and regular preventive care in our office, your child can enjoy a strong, healthy smile for years to come.
Tips for Making Oral Hygiene Fun
Tools: Use toothbrushes and flossers designed specifically for children, featuring their favorite characters or colors. Electric toothbrushes can also be more engaging for children if tolerated. Parental supervision is recommended to ensure the child is not applying excessive pressure which can be traumatic to the gum tissue. Choosing a desirable toothpaste flavor that your child is most likely to love can make them more motivated to brush in the future. Ask us about sampling some of our favorites in the office!
Apps and Games: Incorporate dental health apps or games that encourage brushing for the recommended two minutes. Several electric toothbrushes for children have corresponding games that can be engaging.
Rewards: Create a reward chart or calendar to track your child’s brushing and flossing habits, offering small rewards for consistent hygiene.
Special Considerations
Adaptive Tools: For children who have difficulty with traditional brushing and flossing, we can recommend special adaptive toothbrushes and other oral care products that make the process easier.
Additional Cleanings: Some patients can be more prone to calculus buildup, or may have difficulty cleaning around braces or bonded oral appliances. In these instances, adding one to two additional cleanings per year may be beneficial.
Desensitization Visits: For children who are particularly sensitive to oral care at home or in the office, desensitization visits can help them become more comfortable with the sensations associated with oral hygiene. During this visit, your child can come to our office and work one-on-one with an assistant to walk and talk through all parts of a dental exam or procedure without ever having any dental treatment done. We set everything out so your child can see, feel and ask questions as they please. Sometimes when a child knows nothing will be done, it is purely to allow them to explore and ask questions in a stress free way in hopes that when they return for treatment, behavior is significantly improved at future visits. If you feel your child may benefit from this service, please contact our office at (314) 343-1037.
Partnering with Parents for Healthy Smiles
At Little Pearls Pediatric Dentistry, we are dedicated to partnering with parents to ensure that every child learns the importance of good oral hygiene. We are here to support, educate, and provide the care that your child needs to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. If you have any questions about your child’s oral hygiene habits or need additional guidance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
