Prevention Prevention is the key to a healthy and beautiful smile, especially for children. At Chula Vista Smiles, we specialize in several preventive services to help your child maintain excellent oral health. Cleanings, Exams, & X-raysCleanings, exams, and x-rays are the backbone of preventive dentistry. Professional cleanings can reduce or eliminate plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) deposits. Diagnostic tools like x-rays allow us to catch instances of decay and gum disease before they result in major complications. Learn more about cleanings, exams and x-rays for your children. Lap Exam / Age 1 to 2 VisitsYour child should visit a dentist earlier than you may think. According to American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), you should schedule their first appointment once their first baby tooth erupts. At the very latest, be sure they have an evaluation by their first birthday. Learn more about Lap Exams for your children. Tips for BrushingDuring your first appointment, Dr. Ilse Savelli can show you the proper brushing technique for your infant or toddler. As the child grows older, we will show them the proper technique as well. Our goal is to make education fun and enjoyable, which helps your child establish better oral hygiene habits. Learn more tips for brushing your infant or toddlers teeth. Tips for FlossingFlossing is equally as important as brushing, yet many children still struggle to do it every day. Flossing is an effective way to remove food debris and bacteria from in between the teeth. It is also the best way to prevent gum disease. Learn more tips for flossing your child's teeth. SealantsThe posterior teeth, mainly the molars and premolars, have deep grooves and fissures in the occlusal (bite) surface. These areas can trap bacteria, which ultimately results in tooth decay. A dental sealant is a plastic coating placed on the occlusal surface to protect the tooth from this harmful bacteria. Learn more about dental sealants. Importance of Fluoride for Oral HealthFluoride treatment is a routine part of pediatric dentistry. Despite popular misconceptions, fluoride can be immensely beneficial to your child’s oral health. This naturally-occurring mineral can strengthen enamel and even reverse minor instances of decay. Dr. Ilse Savelli will assess the need for fluoride treatment during your child’s initial appointment. Learn more about the importance of fluoride for your child's oral health. Mouthguards/Sports GuardSports and other physical activities can put your child’s teeth at risk of injury. A sports guard is a plastic appliance the protects the teeth from trauma. We may also recommend a mouthguard if your child grinds their teeth in their sleep. Bruxism (teeth grinding) can result in severe enamel wear that affects the aesthetics and structure of their teeth. Learn more about the benefits of mouthguards and sports guards. Child Dental Care FAQsWe understand that most parents have questions about their child’s oral health. As pediatric dentists, we believe we must help educate children and adults alike. We want to establish a strong foundation of oral health that follows your child into adulthood. Learn more about dental care for your child. Space MaintainerThe primary (baby) teeth are more important than you may think. At Chula Vista Smiles, we offer several services designed to improve or maintain these teeth before major complications occur. A common treatment for primary teeth involves the placement of a space maintainer. Learn more about space maintainers for your child. Early OrthodonticsAt Chula Vista Smiles, we offer orthodontic treatment to children of all ages. Early orthodontics has become much more popular in recent years. Why? Treating orthodontic issues at an early age can result in a number of benefits. Above all else, it can help your child maintain a healthy and beautiful smile! Learn more about early orthodontics care for your child. Clear AlignersThanks to technological advancements, there are more orthodontic treatments than ever before! The type of treatment we recommend for your child depends on the location and severity of their orthodontic issues. Over the last 20 years or so, clear aligners have grown exponentially more popular due to their many benefits. Aligner treatment has revolutionized the way we practice orthodontics. Learn more about clear aligners for your child. Diet and Nutrition TipsDiet and nutrition can have enormous effects on your child’s oral health. Without the right vitamins and minerals, they may be at risk for development issues, tooth decay, and even gum disease. We here at Dr. Ilse Savelli can provide you and your child with the education needed to avoid these potential problems. Learn more about diet and nutrition for your child. Infant Dental CareThe American Dental Association (ADA) states that a child should receive a professional evaluation by their first birthday, or by the time their first tooth erupts. Proper infant dental care can prevent early instances of tooth decay and gum disease. It also helps us catch and correct development issues before they cause major problems for their permanent teeth. Learn more about dental care for your infant. Thumb, Finger, & Pacifier HabitsInfants and toddlers can develop certain habits that may be detrimental to their oral health. Excessive thumb, finger, or pacifier-sucking may cause their primary teeth to shift out of their proper position. This can ultimately result in eruption issues for their permanent teeth. Learn more about infant and toddler habits. Schedule a ConsultationIf you would like to find out more about our preventive services, our team is happy to help. Call 619-427-1315 to schedule your child’s initial consultation today! |
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