Preventative Care
We believe the best dental care starts with prevention. Our goal is to help every child build healthy habits and a positive relationship with dental care from the very beginning. From regular checkups and cleanings to fluoride, sealants, radiographs, nutrition guidance and oral hygiene instruction, we tailor preventive care to your child’s individual needs.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen and protect the enamel on your child’s teeth. Every day, acids from food and drink and bacteria can weaken tooth enamel. Fluoride helps remineralize and strengthen enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks, thereby helping to prevent cavities. At Little Flower, we consider each child’s age, oral health, and their individual risk for tooth decay when recommending fluoride. Our goal is to give every growing smile the strongest and healthiest foundation possible.
A Thoughtful Approach to Fluoride
At Little Flower, we believe parents deserve to feel informed and confident in making decisions regarding their child’s dental care. We’re happy to discuss the benefits, considerations, and alternatives to fluoride and answer your questions. Whether you choose fluoride or prefer a fluoride-free approach, we’ll partner with you to create a preventive care plan that supports your child’s individual needs and your family’s preferences.
Radiographs
(X-rays)
A closer look at your child’s smile
Sometimes we need a closer look at what we cannot see with the naked eye. X-rays are very important tools for diagnosing and treatment planning and educating. They show us what’s beneath the surface of your child’s smile- to see developing teeth, areas between teeth that we cannot see during an exam, and other changes that may not yet be visible. They are also instrumental for evaluating growth and development, pathology, and trauma.
At Little Flower, we take an individualized approach to radiographs. We only recommend x-rays when they are clinically necessary and appropriate for your child’s age, dental development, and treatment needs. With the use of digital radiography, we are able to use the lowest radiation dose necessary to obtain the information we need. Our goal is simple: to see the whole picture so we can provide the right care for your child’s smile.
Dental Sealants
Sealants are a simple, non-invasive way to help protect your child’s teeth from cavities. These thin protective coatings are gently placed in the naturally-occurring deep grooves of back teeth, where food and bacteria can easily collect and brushing can be difficult. Though brushing is still of utmost importance, sealants serve as an extra barrier of protection against cavities in the chewing surfaces of teeth. We will evaluate your child’s specific needs and recommend sealants when they can provide added protection for their growing smile.