Preventive Dentistry in San Antonio

Solid preventive care is the foundation for your oral and overall health. Good at-home hygiene habits, in combination with professional cleanings, can keep your smile free from decay and other oral health issues like gum disease. Regular exams allow us to monitor your oral health so you can address any minor concerns before they become larger, more costly, and more invasive issues. Call your pediatric dentist in San Antonio for a preventive dentistry appointment.

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Close up of germs on teeth

Cleanings & Exams

Just like cleanings and exams for adults, pediatric cleanings and exams are fairly straightforward. Your child’s dental hygienist or dentist will clean their teeth and gums, then their dentist will carefully examine their mouth and any x-rays to look for potential issues with your child’s oral health or development.

You’ll have the opportunity during this visit to speak with your child’s dentist about what to expect during the various stages of their oral development, like when their teeth will be erupting, falling out, then erupting again as adult teeth. We will discuss proper techniques for at-home oral care and hygiene for different age groups, and even talk about nutrition and diet, and how it’s related to your child’s developing oral health.

Digital X-Rays

Digital x-rays are fast, high-resolution images that allow us to see concerns like cavities, bone and tooth development, missing teeth, and/or extra teeth. Your pediatric dentist will discuss your child's individual needs for x-rays.

Silver Diamine Fluoride

Cavities and toothaches are never fun, especially for your child. When it comes to treating decay in baby teeth, you may be wondering if there are alternatives to dental fillings. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a non-invasive procedure that doesn't require any drills or shots and can be completed in minutes. Painting on a layer of SDF to the affected tooth not only kills the bacteria that cause decay but also seals and remineralizes the tooth for added strength. If your little one has a cavity, fillings may not be the only option!

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants use a transparent liquid resin, which is applied directly to the teeth and is hardened using a UV light. This creates an impenetrable seal on your child’s tooth, which stops bacteria, acid, and food particles from causing cavities. This treatment is usually recommended specifically for cavity-prone rear teeth.

Pediatric Fluoride Varnish

Keeping your child's smile protected is our number one priority! One of the many ways we accomplish this goal is by providing fluoride varnish treatments. Fluoride varnish is safe treatment that can prevent tooth decay in baby teeth. It is quickly applied by your child's dentist and then can be brushed off after 4 to 12 hours.

Nutritional Counseling

A wholesome diet will keep your child’s teeth and body healthy, all while reducing the risk of cavities and other oral health issues. Limiting frequent snacking and snacks that are starchy, acidic, and sour are great ways to keep your child's teeth free from pesky sugar bugs. Your pediatric dentist can recommend dietary modifications to set your child’s smile and whole-body health up for success.

Sports Guards

Sports guards are worn over the teeth, and are specifically designed to protect your mouth from oral trauma caused by high-impact sports. Many sports put players at risk for dental injuries caused by collisions to the mouth, face, or head, but a custom-fitted sports guard can help protect you from chipping, cracking, or knocking out a tooth. Tailored to fit your unique smile, sports guards are both comfortable and durable, so you can play the sports you love without missing a beat.

A sports guard is essential if you’re an athlete who plays football, basketball, baseball, soccer, rugby, hockey, gymnastics, mountain biking, or if you participate in any other activities that put you at risk for injury due to falling, body contact, or flying objects.