Preventive Care

Routine Oral Health Care

Regular dental check up every 6 months is recommended for all children. Children with high decay risks, dental defects and unusal dental development patterns and compromised oral hygiene require more frequent visits. Our paediatric dentist or oral health therapist will examine your child’s teeth, gums and mouth for signs of cavities, chalky teeth, gum disease, occlusion (bite), or other oral health issues. A professional cleaning (scaling) to remove plaque and tartar buildup will be performed followed by polishing the teeth to remove surface stains. Application of fluoride which helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities if recommended. Radiographs may be taken to check for underlying issues not visible during the exam.

Our oral health therapist will also provide an oral health education discussion including tips on brushing, flossing, and dietary choices for better oral hygiene, as well as any specific concerns you might have in oral health practice. Our team will schedule any necessary follow up appointments or treatments as needed. We will also discuss a plan for your next preventive visit, typically every six months. Regular dental visits keep your child familiar with our paediatric dental team and encourage a positive attitude in the child towards dentistry. Reinforcement of good oral health practice can be continually encouraged by our oral health team when the child is a regular visitor. Dental problem, if any, can be detected in the early stages when it is easier and less costly to treat.

Fissure sealants

Fissure sealants are a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). The sealant material fills in the grooves and creates a smooth surface, making it difficult for food particles and decay bacteria to get trapped in those areas. The procedure is painless and typically done in a single visit to the dentist.

Benefits of Fissure Sealants:
  • Prevention of Tooth Decay: By sealing off the grooves and preventing food particles and bacteria from getting stuck, fissure sealants help reduce the risk of cavities in the back teeth.
  • Non-Invasive: The process of applying sealants is quick, painless, and non-invasive. No drilling or removal of tooth structure is required.
  • Cost-Effective: Sealants are a relatively low-cost preventive measure compared to the cost of treating cavities or more extensive dental work down the line.
  • Long-Lasting Protection: Fissure sealants can last few years, providing long-term protection, though they may need to be checked and reapplied during regular dental checkups.
  • Preserving Tooth Structure: Since sealants are a preventive measure, they help preserve the natural structure of the tooth, avoiding the need for fillings or crowns in the future.
  • Improved Oral Hygiene: With fewer areas for food and bacteria to hide, it can be easier to maintain a cleaner mouth, improving overall oral hygiene.
  • Children who have newly erupted molars are the ideal candidates for the fissure sealants application, as they may not yet have developed the skills or consistency needed for thorough brushing.

Mouthguard

A mouthguard for children can be a highly effective way to protect their teeth, gums, and jaw from dental trauma, especially during physical activities or sports. A custom made mouthguard is a simple way to protect your child’s teeth, lips and tongue during sporting activities. A properly fitted mouthguard should feel comfortable and stay in place and should not affect breathing. By preventing oral trauma, mouthguards can help children avoid the need for costly and extensive dental treatments (such as crowns, root canals, or tooth replacements) in the future.