Preventive Dentistry – Waco, TX
Avoid Cavities & Avoid Stress
As a parent, it’s basically part of your job to slightly worry about your child at all times—it’s just natural! But, when it comes to their oral health, Brazos Kids Dental is here to take something off of your plate. With our preventive services, we can catch issues early and stop many from ever occurring in the first place. Just two appointments a year can make a major difference in the oral health of your child no matter their age, so be sure to schedule a visit if it has been a while since their last one!
Why Choose Brazos Kids Dental for Preventive Dentistry?
- Led by Certified Pediatric Dentists
- PPO Dental Insurance Accepted & Maximized
- We Welcome Children with Special Needs
Dental Checkups & Cleanings
A dental checkup and cleaning give a child’s pediatric dentist a chance to look closely at their teeth, gums, and bite, and then one of our excellent hygienists will make their smile sparkle with a professional cleaning. These appointments are also great opportunities for both you and your child to ask us questions about their ever-changing teeth and dental needs. We’re able to provide information much faster than any internet search, and it will be tailored to your little one!
Gum Disease Treatment
Harmful oral bacteria cannot only damage the teeth, but it can also cause an infection to develop on the gums. Scaling and root planing treat gum disease by first removing the bacteria-filled plaque below the gum line that is the source of the issue, and then we gently reshape the roots of the teeth. This makes a child less likely to develop the same problem in the future.
Fluoride Treatment
You’ll find fluoride added to almost every oral healthcare product on the market because it’s proven to strengthen the enamel and reduce the risk of cavities. We can give your child an extra boost of protection with a fluoride treatment during their checkups, and we can also use a substance called silver diamine fluoride to halt active cavities. This kills the bacteria responsible for tooth decay while protecting the remaining enamel at the same time. It helps us take care of cavities without having to use a drill!
Dental Sealants
The back teeth (molars and pre-molars), with their deep pits and grooves, are the most likely place a child will develop a cavity. Rather than just letting this happen, we can cover these teeth with a thin, invisible layer of dental resin that essentially acts like a shield against bacteria and food particles. They take just minutes to place and can easily last for over a decade with minimal maintenance.
Nightguards for Bruxism
“Bruxism” is the official term for teeth grinding while someone is asleep, and it doesn’t just occur in anxious adults! Children and teens can also deal with this issue which often results in worn-down teeth and jaw pain. If we suspect that your child is grinding, we can give them a custom-made mouthpiece to wear to bed that will keep their teeth safe and whole throughout the night.
Athletic Mouthguards / Sportsguards
Whether you have a future star athlete at home or your child just likes to play the occasional pick-up game with friends, they should always wear a mouthguard before hitting the field, court, or mat. Rather than trying to make them wear a generic guard from the store, we can provide them with an appliance designed specially to fit them. It will provide better protection and have a much higher chance of actually being used!