At Baytown Pediatric Dentistry, we believe that every visit is an opportunity for strengthening a family’s knowledge of oral health. We provide counseling on key topics such as oral hygiene and proper nutrition to help your child achieve optimal dental health and avoid preventable issues such as cavities.
Good oral hygiene habits start early with regular cleaning of your baby’s gums and teeth. They continue through the adolescent years with twice-daily brushing of teeth and regular flossing. By implementing these habits early, we can help ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles. During your visit, Dr. Peiravani will discuss the proper teeth cleaning techniques necessary for keeping your child’s smile beautiful and healthy.
Nutritional counseling is not the first thing you might think of when going to the dentist. However, a balanced diet low in sugar is vital to the
normal development of a child’s teeth, jaw, and palette. Early initiation of the natural chewing process via consumption of solid foods allows for
proper development of the airway and surrounding oral and facial bones. Regarding sugar, it is one of the biggest threats to your child’s oral health. The bacteria in our mouths feed off of the sugar we consume, and convert the sugar into harmful acids which can damage the integrity of teeth. Therefore, we always encourage parents to limit their child’s consumption of sweets and sugary drinks such as juice or soda.
Dental Exams
During the dental exam, the entire oral cavity is thoroughly evaluated, including teeth, soft tissues, salivary glands, lymph nodes, and tongue. Teeth will be examined for the presence of decay and/or demineralization. Any prior treatments such as fillings, crowns, or extraction sites are checked as well.
Radiographic Images
Radiographic images will consist of x-rays of the teeth and bony structures of the head and neck. X-rays will be reviewed for
cavities or other signs of pathology.
Cleaning
Regular cleanings are an essential part of dental checkups. Cleanings will be focused on the removal of plaque, calculus, and stains
with the primary goal of preventing gum disease.
Topical Fluoride
Fluoride is a topical agent with several important uses including the remineralization of teeth and prevention of tooth decay.
Sealants
Dental sealant is a thin coating painted on the teeth that forms a protective layer and prevents tooth decay.
Space Maintenance
If your child loses a baby tooth before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt, it is necessary to preserve the space in order to
prevent future problems such as crowding of permanent teeth. This goal is accomplished by using different types of space maintainer appliances.