5 Preventive Dental Services Every Child Needs for a Healthy Smile

Groat Pediatric Dentistry is excited to be your preferred pediatric dental office in San Pedro, California, and the surrounding locations. We offer comprehensive dental care to ensure your little one enjoys a healthy smile for many years. 

Preventive dental care is at the heart of what we do. Instead of waiting for problems to arise, we stop them before they start, saving time, money, and unnecessary discomfort. From regular dental exams to fluoride applications, our San Pedro, California, office offers several preventive services to keep your child’s smile healthy and strong.

Preventive dental services for your child

Every parent dreams of a bright, healthy smile for their child—we’re here to make that a reality. Our preventive dental care services support your child’s oral health in every stage of life, setting the foundation for a lifetime of strong, confident smiles.

1. Dental exams

It can be tempting to ignore a dental appointment if your child isn’t in pain or has no apparent issue. Unfortunately, this can be costly in the long run. Dental check-ups allow us to detect and treat dental problems before they become expensive and painful. 

Schedule the first dental visit for your child within six months after the first tooth grows, but not later than age one. Afterward, ensure your little one sees us every six months. Regular dental visits are the key to ensuring minor problems don’t advance into harrowing experiences.  

2. Dental cleanings

Regular cleanings for your child help remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach surfaces. These gentle cleanings help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. In addition, dental cleanings remove surface stains to keep your little one’s smile shining. 

3. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) treatments

Sometimes, your child needs a little help fighting tooth decay. SDF is an FDA-approved treatment that contains two ingredients. Silver is an antimicrobial agent that eliminates cavity-causing bacteria. Fluoride strengthens teeth against decay and reverses early-stage decay. The dual action of SDF is powerful in maintaining a healthy, decay-free smile. 

Applying SDF is quick, painless, and non-invasive. The dentist will thoroughly clean your child’s teeth and apply the liquid SDF with a micro brush. 

4. Dental sealants

These thin, protective coatings are brushed onto your child’s permanent molars to prevent decay. Applying sealants is quick and painless, but the benefits last many years. First, the dentist cleans the teeth and dries them. Then, an etching gel is applied to create a strong bonding surface. Next, the sealant liquid is carefully painted into the decay-prone teeth to smooth out the creviced surfaces. Finally, we’ll harden the sealant with a special curing light, forming a durable shield against decay.  

5. Mouthguards

About 40% of sports injuries are dental-related. Fortunately, there’s a way you can protect your child against sports injuries. Talk to your dentist about a customized mouthguard. It fits snugly and offers optimal protection to your child’s teeth, gums, lips, cheeks, and other oral structures. 

Preventive dental care near San Pedro, CA

Step up your child’s dental care with preventive dentistry in Groat Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Christopher Groat and the team are committed to helping your child maintain a healthy smile. Call (310) 832-5133 and book your visit!

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