PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY SOUTH PORTLAND & AUBURN
Protecting Smiles Against Decay
Children of all ages are susceptible to tooth decay. Cavities are the most common oral health problem among young smiles, which is why preventive care is vital to their overall well-being. At Maine Pediatric Dentistry, we aim to minimize the likelihood of this problem so that their teeth, gums, and bite develop into strong, healthy smiles for life. Whether your child needs a general checkup and teeth cleaning or a customized mouthguard to protect their grin while playing sports, give us a call so that we can help with preventive dentistry for kids in Auburn and South Portland!
Why Choose Maine Pediatric Dentistry for Kid’s Preventive Dental Care?
- Intraoral Cameras Used for Patient Education
- Minimally Invasive Treatments Available
- Focused on Patient Safety & Comfort at Each Visit
Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings
It is recommended that children see a pediatric dentist every six months for regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings. These visits may be more frequent if a child possesses abnormalities or a heightened risk of tooth decay. Otherwise, these appointments will consist of a thorough checkup to look for any early signs of cavities, malocclusion, or gum disease before a dental hygienist removes accumulated plaque and tartar. Each visit will end with helpful tips to make at-home oral hygiene easier.
Fluoride Treatment
As an effective way to combat tooth decay, fluoride is commonly used by pediatric dentists when treating young smiles. Its natural ability to strengthen enamel makes it a preferred form of preventive treatment when caring for those who have yet to develop a cavity. However, for those who are living with dental decay, we can also provide silver diamine fluoride (SDF), which is designed to target existing cavities and stop the spread immediately.
Dental Sealants
A child’s molars and premolars can become easy targets for food debris and bacteria, especially if they’re not cleaned regularly. Because they’re often hard to reach for small hands, our team can deliver a method of protection known as dental sealants. Covering the chewing surfaces of these teeth prevents anything from penetrating and reaching the tooth’s enamel, which would otherwise result in cavity formation. Dental sealants can be applied quickly during a regular checkup, and the process is completely painless.
Athletic Mouthguards/ Sportsguards
Sports-related injuries are some of the most common when it comes to dental emergencies. Whether it is a chipped or knocked-out tooth, a child’s smile is vulnerable to damage if proper mouth protection is not provided. To safeguard your little one’s pearly whites, we can have a customized athletic mouthguard created. Worn over the top row of teeth, it minimizes the unnecessary pressure placed on teeth should they sustain a hard hit.