Protect your child's developing smile. Children should visit a dentist within 6 months of the eruption of their first tooth or by age one. Good dental health begins with good habits at a very young age:
Bottles at bedtime ONLY with water. Napping or sleeping with juice or milk can cause childhood decay
Early visits lead to a lifetime of good habits
Drink from a cup after age one, then wean from the bottle between 12-14 months
Thumb sucking after age two can create crowded, crooked teeth, or bite problems. A dentist can help with prolonged thumb sucking habits
No sugary substances on pacifiers
Limit frequency of sugary snacks and juices
Use the correct size toothbrush and only a pea-size amount of toothpaste for children
Clean gums while teeth are erupting
Parental supervision — monitor brushing and flossing with kids up to about age 8, when their dexterity gets better
Be sure children are receiving the proper amount of fluoride
Talk to your dentist
Cavity-causing bacteria can be passed to children from adults — do not clean pacifiers or utensils with your own mouth and then give them to children
The Developing Smile — Start Good Habits Early
Did you know that many diseases and conditions first show signs in the mouth? Good dental health is an important factor in overall health, which is why the American Dental Association recommends you see your dentist every six months. Building a relationship with a dental practice can help you maintain and improve your smile, and prevent any problems before they become serious.
At Gracepoint Family Dentistry, you can receive a full range of pediatric and preventative services.
Comprehensive exams
Sealants
Fluoride treatments
Mouthguards
Oral cancer screenings
Comprehensive Exam / Consultation
Dr. Olowoyo provides comprehensive patient exams that include the following services:
Medical history
Existing dental conditions and needed treatment
Oral cancer screenings
Smile evaluations
Blood pressure screenings
Reviewing patient concerns
X-rays
Risk for dental decay
Evaluation of the jaw and joint (TMJ)
Periodontal screening to determine the health of the gums and supporting structures
The dentist will review all findings and discuss any possible treatment options to help you achieve the smile that you want and deserve. Establishing a relationship and returning for scheduled dental appointments will ensure a lifetime of smiles for both you and your family
Sealant
Sealant is a plastic resin material applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth — premolars and molars. It acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids that contribute to dental decay. Toothbrush bristles cannot reach into the deep depressions and grooves of teeth, so the sealant helps to protect these areas.
Sealants are easily applied and take only a few minutes for each tooth. Sealants will be checked at each appointment to make sure they are retained, and will generally last several years before any reapplication is needed.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride can be an important part of preventing tooth decay in patients of all ages. During your visit, we can determine your risk for dental decay by discussing your diet, home care, previous decay history, dry mouth, and prescription medications. Fluoride treatment can be done in our office or at home.
In the office — Treatment can be done during your regular exam using a tray and gel or foam fluoride, or fluoride varnish, which is more highly concentrated and brushed onto the teeth.
At home — At home options for fluoride treatment include prescription toothpaste or a rinse to be used daily. It is important to follow all recommendations made by your dentist and be aware of the fluoride levels in your water (both community water supplies and private wells).
Mouthguard (Night and Sports)
All children and adults who participate in any contact sports should wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth against blows to the face or mouth. A properly fitted mouthguard can help prevent broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face, or jaw.
There are many types of mouthguards to choose from, including “boil and bite” options, but the best is a custom-made mouthguard, designed specifically for you and your teeth. Ask your dentist about these custom options to protect your smile.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. We provide oral cancer screenings as part of your regular dental exam.
There are two main risk factors for oral cancer. Smoking and tobacco use are well-known causes of oral cancer. In addition, the HPV-16 virus, a sexually-transmitted disease, is resulting in the fastest-growing cause of oral cancer among young, healthy, non-smoking patients.
The symptoms of oral cancer include the following:
Sores in the mouth that bleed easily or do not heal
A thick or hard spot or lump
A roughened or crusted area
Numbness, pain or tenderness
Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down
When found early, oral cancers have an 80-90% survival rate. Dentists can be the first line of defense in identifying any abnormalities in the mouth that could lead to oral cancer.
Contact Dr. Olowoyo
To schedule an appointment, please contact our office.