Clear Lake children's Preventative Dentist

Dental sealants can be a helpful way to prevent the formation of cavities. This non-invasive procedure can usually be done during your child’s six-month cleaning and oral exam. During your child's visit with our Clear Lake office, we will apply a thin, liquid resin to your child's adult molar teeth that will be hardened with a special UV light.
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This sealant will form a protective barrier, which prevents bacteria, acid, and food particles from contacting the rear teeth directly. Dental sealants typically last about 3-5 years and can be reapplied as necessary, making them a good long-term preventive care method to help avoid the development of cavities.

Fluoride is the best way to treat the most minor stage of tooth decay, which is often called a “soft spot.” Soft spots occur when the enamel begins to weaken and break down, but a hole (cavity) in the enamel has not yet formed. 
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Fluoride has the unique ability to remineralize tooth enamel. By applying a fluoride-rich solution onto your child’s teeth, Dr. Brock can encourage the tooth to become stronger and reverse the damage done by minor cases of tooth decay, preventing a cavity from forming altogether.

• Let them pick out their own toothbrushes and toothpaste – Kids love feeling included in decision making. Giving them the opportunity to pick out a fun toothbrush that lets them express themselves will help get them excited about using it.
• Supervise brushing – Parents should brush their children’s teeth until they have the motor skills to tie their own shoes, which usually happens around the age of 5-6. When children start brushing on their own teeth, it’s important to supervise them from time to time to ensure they are brushing for at least 2 minutes and using the proper amount of toothpaste.
• Remember to floss – Brushing alone is not enough to remove food particles and plaque, and prevent gum disease and cavities. Floss your child’s teeth once per day. Most children have enough dexterity to start flossing on their own around the age of 10.
• Schedule regular dental appointments – Seeing Dr. Brock in Clear Lake every 6 months will help your child get used to the process of a teeth cleaning and oral exam. Routine appointments will also help them learn more about how to take care of their teeth properly.
• Lead by example – Make sure you’re taking proper care of your teeth, too! Brush properly and floss, and see the dentist regularly. Your children will be influenced by how you take care of your teeth, so be a great role model and set a good example for them to follow!

There are a few reasons that preventive dentistry and regular six-month visits to Big Picture Pediatric Dentistry are so important. First and foremost, routine dental visits let you stay on top of your child’s oral health.
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With routine visits, Dr. Brock will be able to look for signs of cavities and other oral health problems, and he will also be able to check on your child’s oral development and make sure there are no issues with their baby teeth and adult teeth.
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Prevention is always the best option. And this also saves you time and money. By catching oral health problems early and taking steps to treat or prevent them, Dr. Brock will reduce the need for costly procedures like dental fillings or crowns.
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Routine preventive dentistry also helps you make the most of your dental insurance coverage, if applicable. All insurance plans cover two yearly visits to the dentist, and most pediatric dental plans also cover the cost of recommended care like fluoride treatments and dental sealants. 
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Lastly, getting routine preventive care from a dentist helps your child become more familiar with the process. They will be less likely to fear the dentist, and they will develop a real relationship with Dr. Brock and the team at Big Picture Pediatric Dentistry in Clear Lake. This also helps them develop a great attitude toward dentistry, and lifelong oral hygiene habits that will serve them well in the years and decades to come. 

If you want to keep your child’s teeth healthy, the most important thing to do is brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. You’ll need to brush their teeth for them until they can do it on their own, usually around the age of 5-6. Supervising your kids when they brush on their own is a good idea, too.
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You should also floss your child’s teeth once a day once they are about 2-3 years old. Kids can’t usually floss on their own until the age of 8-10, so you’ll need to continue flossing their teeth even when they brush on their own.
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Beyond this, the most important step to take is to maintain a tooth-healthy diet for your child. Feed them fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, healthy dairy, and lean meats. You should minimize processed food and skip sugary drinks. Avoid cola, juice, sweet tea, and other such drinks. If you want to reduce their risk of cavities, your child should drink only milk and tap water.