Preventative Care
Avoiding problems in the future by building good habits now!
Preventative Care and Education
Helping your little surfers establish a lifetime of healthy habit.
Preventing dental problems is easier and less costly than fixing them. At Smile Surfers, we provide preventive care and education to avoid oral health problems for your children.
We want your little ones to make healthy decisions, so we provide the tools and training that they need to accomplish this goal. This is very important, not only in regards to just their oral health, but also in relation to their total wellness.
We provide fun, educational training and tips for areas that include:
- Nutritional advice
- Inspiring positive behavior for diet, exercise, sleeping habits, and so much more
- Teaching the connection between oral and overall health
- Encouraging your child to take positive actions to live a healthy, happy life
Fighting Off the Sugar Monster
Knowing the dangers of too much sugar can help your little surfer to make healthier choices!
Kids and sugar go together like peanut butter and jelly!
Sugary foods and drinks have been the nemesis of dentists for decades because sugar feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay. However, recent studies have shown that sugar’s damaging effects go beyond just oral health. It also affects a person’s overall health. Consuming too much sugar has been linked with the presence of major diseases in both children and adults!
If we treat the larger problem of eating too much sugar as a whole, it will also address the problem of sugar and teeth as well. The earlier we get started with preventative education about sugar, the better the results.
Learn more about the dangers of too much sugar in this short video:
Healthy Options
FAQs About Preventive Care
Take a look at the helpful information below!
What are dental sealants?
Although brushing and flossing can clean food particles and plaque from the surfaces of your children’s teeth, back teeth (the molars) are often harder to clean thoroughly; 90% of cavities occur in the back teeth. A dental sealant is a clear polymer that can cover a tooth and “seal out” decay-causing plaque and persistent food particles. They have been shown to reduce the risk of cavities by 80%.
We recommend getting sealants for your kiddos as their permanent teeth come in. Sealants can protect your little surfers’ teeth through the cavity-prone years of ages six to 14. Most insurance companies cover the cost of sealants, so be sure to ask us about them on your next visit!
Are fluoride treatments important for my child's teeth?
Fluoride strengthens enamel and can help prevent cavities from forming. It can also ward off tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to the acid that comes from plaque and bacteria.
Children under 16 years of age are encouraged to have fluoride treatment, especially if they live in an area where fluoride isn’t added to the public drinking system.
How can I help prevent tooth decay in my children's teeth?
Along with using preventive services, the best thing you can do is to help your little surfer establish correct and regular hygiene habits.
Bringing your children into our dental office after the appearance of their first tooth and establishing a routine of regular visits gives us an opportunity to help educate your little ones about the proper way to care for their teeth. We make it fun and interesting for them, and provide incentives for good progress.
As a parent, we encourage you to follow-up on this training at home. We will be happy to help you do so with instructions, tools, and tips on how to motivate your kiddos to brush their teeth.
