Prevention

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The best way to keep your child’s smile healthy is to stop problems before they start. Gentle and effective preventive dental care helps kids build healthy habits while protecting their teeth as they grow.

Learn more about the preventative services we provide below.

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A young boy with curly brown hair brushing his teeth with a blue toothbrush, wearing a white t-shirt with 'Beckett' embroidered on it, in a room with chairs and wooden floors.
Circular logo featuring a cartoon dog with a yellow face and blue outlines, holding a toothbrush in its mouth. Blue text above and below reads 'NO CAVITIES CLUB'.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a key part of prevention, helping children stay cavity-free from the start.

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  • Cavities often form on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where tiny grooves trap food and bacteria. Even with good brushing, these areas can be difficult to keep clean. Dental sealants act as a protective shield, sealing out decay and making teeth easier to keep clean.

  • Sealants are thin, clear coatings that cover the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. They protect enamel, reduce the risk of cavities, and support long-term oral health for children.

  • Applying children’s dental sealants is fast, comfortable, and painless. In one visit, the teeth are cleaned, dried, and coated with the sealant, which hardens into place for lasting protection. Both the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend sealants as a safe, effective form of cavity prevention for kids.

  • Sealants can provide protection for several years with proper brushing, flossing, and routine visits to your pediatric dentist. According to the CDC, sealants prevent about 80% of cavities in back teeth within the first two years, the area where most childhood cavities occur.

Fluoride

Fluoride is one of the best tools for protecting your child’s teeth from cavities. This naturally occurring mineral strengthens enamel, makes teeth more resistant to acid attacks, and can even help reverse early signs of decay.

How do children get fluoride?

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Drinking Water

Where fluoridation is available

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Fluoride Toothpaste

A smear for children under 2, and a pea-sized amount for ages 2 to 6

A clean, white cartoon tooth with a teal outline and sparkles indicating cleanliness.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride can be applied at your dentist directly to your child’s teeth after a cleaning for maximum benefit

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Supplements

In some cases, fluoride drops or tablets may be recommended if fluoridated water is not available

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF): Stopping Cavities in Their Tracks

In addition to traditional fluoride treatments, Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is available. This liquid is applied directly to a tooth to stop active decay and prevent cavities from spreading. The process is quick, painless, and highly effective -and is especially helpful for young children, children with dental anxiety, or those not yet ready for more involved dental treatment.

A cartoon illustration of a tooth with a question mark inside it, symbolizing dental uncertainty or questions.
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Digital X-Rays

Digital dental x-rays are an important part of preventive care because they reveal issues that aren’t visible during a regular exam, such as early tooth decay, gum disease, abscesses, or issues with tooth development. Catching these problems early helps protect your child’s smile before they cause pain or require more extensive treatment.

With state-of-the-art digital technology, x-rays are safer and more comfortable than ever:

  • Extra safe for kids - digital x-rays use up to 90% less radiation than traditional methods

  • Instant results - images appear on screen right away

  • Clear, detailed images - making it easier to spot even the smallest changes

  • Easy to share and store - for smooth coordination of your child’s care