At Westside Pediatric Dentistry, we believe that preventative dental care is essential for maintaining optimal oral health for your child. After all, most dental concerns—such as cavities and dental emergencies—can be prevented. Our team, led by pediatric dentist in Cincinnati Ohio, offers various preventive services to ensure your child's teeth and gums stay healthy and strong well into adulthood.
Routine preventative checkups consisting of dental exams and cleanings are the foundation of good oral health. Dr. Petr Vaughan recommends children visit the dentist every six months. During the exam, we'll check for cavities, gum disease, growth concerns, and other oral health problems. We'll also provide a professional cleaning to remove any plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to tooth decay.
Digital X-rays are a crucial tool in identifying dental problems that aren't visible to the naked eye. At Westside Pediatric Dentistry, we use digital X-rays, which emit significantly less radiation than traditional films, making them safer for your child. These X-rays allow us to detect tooth decay, cavities, impacted teeth, orthodontic irregularities, and other dental issues in their early stages when they are more conservative to address.
Sealants are thin plastic coatings that protect your child's teeth from cavities in hard-to-clean areas. The chewing surfaces of back teeth, like molars and premolars, have deep grooves and pits that are difficult to clean with a toothbrush. Sealants fill these grooves and pits, providing a barrier against decay-causing bacteria. They are easy to apply and can last for several years.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Early detection of orthodontic issues allows us to begin treatment when it's most effective while your child’s mouth is still growing. Our team can identify issues like impacted teeth, jaw growth abnormalities, overbites, and underbites during their orthodontic screening.
Fluoride is a natural miner that, like calcium, helps build strong teeth and bones. Applied after your child’s checkup, a fluoride gel or varnish can also help reverse early-stage demineralization, reversing the earliest signs of tooth decay. Fluoride also helps protect teeth against symptoms of sensitivity.
If your child participates in sports or other high-impact activities, it's essential to protect their teeth from injury. At Westside Pediatric Dentistry, we offer custom-fit sports mouthguards that provide superior protection compared to store-bought options. Our mouthguards are comfortable to wear and won't interfere with their activities. Wearing a sports mouthguard can help protect them against broken or knocked-out teeth as well as concussions.