What to Expect at Your Childs Dental Hygiene Appointment:

At your first visit, we ask that you bring any existing medical or dental history documents along with a list of medications you are taking. This information will help us understand your past and current oral-health state. After your initial check-in, our dentists will be able to conduct an oral examination, including a visual exam, oral-cancer screening,  dental charting, and periodontal evaluation, as well as discuss any diagnosis and treatment recommendations. We will take digital x-rays to ensure that there is no damage under the surfaces of your teeth and gums. These high-resolution images will allow for a more accurate diagnosis of oral health issues.

• Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings made from dental-grade materials that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. While they don’t replace brushing and flossing, sealants help protect teeth from cavities and can even stop early decay from developing into a larger problem.
• Sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay in molars by nearly 80%, making them especially beneficial for children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, school-aged children without sealants are almost three times more likely to develop cavities than those who have them.
• Think of sealants as a raincoat for your teeth. When bacteria combine with leftover food, acids form that can damage enamel and lead to cavities. Selants act as a barrier, keeping food and bacteria out of the grooves where decay often starts. 
• Both children and adults can benefit from sealants, but early placement offers the greatest protection. First molars typically appear around age 6, with second molars emerging around age 12. Sealing these teeth as soon as they come in can prevent cavities from the start. As one of our dentists if sealants are right for you or or child.