Procedures

2 and under: Oral Eval Visits – FIRST tooth or age ONE= FIRST CHECKUP!
Many people do not realize they should begin visits and exams at such an early age; however, it is very important for your child to become comfortable in the dental chair, being in the office, and trusting our doctors and assistants. It is very beneficial for your child to be comfortable in the event of an emergency or for their first x-rays or treatment.

This appointment will give you all the tips and knowledge on how to properly take care of your child’s teeth for their age. We perform a caries risk assessment and give parents pointers to reduce risk for decay as your toddler develops.

3 and up: 6 month recall Visits
At the time of six month check-ups, we evaluate for cavities, eruption of teeth and discuss concerns of the child’s oral hygiene habits. It’s important to discuss how and when your child is brushing and flossing. We identify any medical conditions that can put your child at higher risk for cavities. We suggest radiographs (x-rays) every six months to check between teeth for cavities, formation and eruption of teeth. Radiographs also allow us to see other concerns that we are unable to see visually and can aid in our oral cancer screening portion of the exam.

Our team is excellent at showing proper techniques for brushing twice a day and flossing at least once. We give each child one on one time to talk about what is healthy and unhealthy and how to keep a bright smile. After the exam, we place a fluoride treatment that helps prevent cavities. It’s important to know if you water contains fluoride. We recommend a fluoride supplement if fluoride is not in your families main water source or your child drinks all bottled water. We look forward to seeing your smiling face at your next cleaning appointment!

We have an amazing Mighty Mouth Club party for children that are cavity free! Read more about the club, the incentive and the reward! We encourage and celebrate healthy habits of brushing and flossing!

There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Kids’ dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation.

Dental X-rays are an invaluable tool in assessing the dental needs of your child. X-rays may be needed to survey

• Erupting teeth
• Detecting cavities between teeth
• Analyzing depth of decay to determine appropriate treatment
• Diagnose bone diseases
• Evaluate the results of an injury
• Plan orthodontic treatment.

Since every child is unique, the need for dental X-ray films varies from child to child. But in general, children need X-rays more often than adults. Their mouths grow and change rapidly and they are more susceptible to tooth decay due to a thinner enamel layer on primary teeth.

What is Fluoride Varnish?

Fluoride varnish is a dental treatment that can help prevent tooth decay, slow it down, or stop it from getting worse. Fluoride varnish is made with fluoride, a mineral that can strengthen tooth enamel (outer coating on teeth).

Keep in mind that fluoride varnish treatments cannot completely prevent cavities. Fluoride varnish treatments can best help prevent decay when a child is also brushing using the right amount of toothpaste with fluoride, flossing regularly, getting regular dental care, and eating a healthy diet.

Water Fluoridation
Did you know that fluoride exists naturally in virtually all water supplies? Fluoride reduces decay by strengthening tooth enamel.

Adding fluoride to water is a safe way to prevent tooth decay. Water is “fluoridated” when a public water system adjusts the fluoride to a level known to prevent tooth decay.

We evaluate the fluoride level of your child’s primary source of drinking water. If your child is not getting enough fluoride internally through water (especially if the fluoride level is deficient or if your child drinks bottled water without fluoride), then your children’s dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements.

Is my child at risk for cavities?
Prevention is top priority at Branson Kids Dental. We work to identify any home care or dietary habits that will put your child at a higher risk for decay. We work together to make improvements and create the healthiest environment for your child’s teeth.

Sealants are a great preventive measure!
Sealants seal out any food and plaque to reduce the chance of getting a cavity on that tooth. They are applied to the chewing surface to protect the deep pits and grooves especially in the back of the mouth where it is hard for children to reach. Sealants are typically placed on permanent molars.

When you participate in recreational activities and organized sports, injuries can occur. A properly fitted mouth guard is an important piece of athletic gear that can help protect your smile an should be used during any activity that could result in a blow to your face or mouth. Mouth guards help prevent broken teeth, and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. We offer next day mouth guards, custom fitted to your child’s mouth!

Good oral hygiene removes bacteria and the leftover food particles that combine to create cavities. A toothbrush will remove plaque and bacteria that can lead to decay. Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants, should be used at least once a day at bedtime. Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bed-time bottle.

For older children, brush their teeth (or have them brush their own teeth) at least twice a day and floss once a day with a fluoridated toothpaste. Also, Make sure your child has a balanced diet. Limiting the servings of sugars and starches and sticky foods that linger for extended times will also aid in protecting your child’s teeth from decay. These home treatments, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.