Preventative Care

What Is Preventative Care?

Preventative care refers to proactive dental treatments and practices designed to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy while preventing problems like cavities, gum disease, and more serious dental issues. The goal is to address potential concerns before they become significant, ensuring your child enjoys oral health throughout their growing years.

At Little Smiles of Washington, preventative dentistry goes beyond brushing and flossing. It’s about creating positive dental experiences, teaching lifelong oral health habits, and providing the advanced care necessary to protect your child’s smile now and in the future. From regular checkups to fluoride treatments, preventative care is vital to your child’s overall health and quality of life.

The Importance of Preventative Care for Kids

Preventative care in Greater St. Louis isn’t just essential—it’s life-changing. Establishing good oral hygiene practices early can save family time, avoid stress, and reduce long-term dental costs. It also lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits. Here’s why it matters:

Prevents Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Cavities and gum issues are avoidable with regular cleanings and the right preventative measures. These simple steps protect your child’s dental health and prevent the need for more invasive procedures down the road.
Promotes Proper Oral Development: Baby teeth are key in guiding the permanent teeth into the correct position. Preventative care ensures your child’s mouth develops properly, avoiding potential orthodontic issues.
Encourages Positive Dental Experiences: Frequent visits to the dentist help children feel at ease in the dental chair. Early exposure to a friendly and supportive environment reduces anxiety and fosters trust with their dentist.
Improves Overall Health: Good oral hygiene is linked to better overall health, as oral issues can lead to complications in other areas of the body. Regular preventative care minimizes risks and supports your child’s well-being.

What Preventative Care Services Do We Offer?

At Little Smiles of Washington, we offer a wide range of preventative care services tailored to meet the unique needs of infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special needs. Here are some of the key services we provide:

Routine Checkups and Cleanings

Regular dental exams and professional cleanings help us monitor your child’s oral health and remove plaque and tartar buildup. These visits are key to catching potential issues early on.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and protects against cavities. Our safe and effective fluoride treatments are vital to our preventative care approach.

Dental Sealants

Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They act as a barrier, preventing food and bacteria from settling in hard-to-reach areas.

Digital X-Rays

We use advanced digital X-ray technology to get a clear, detailed view of your child’s teeth and jaw, ensuring accurate diagnoses with minimal radiation exposure.

Nutritional Counseling

A healthy diet is important for maintaining strong teeth and gums. We offer guidance on which foods to eat (and avoid) for optimal oral health.

Customized Oral Hygiene Education

Our team teaches kids and parents how to brush and floss effectively, creating healthy daily habits at home.

Tips for Caring for Your Little One’s Smiles at Home

Preventative care doesn’t stop when the dental visit ends. You can play an active role in protecting your child’s smile with these simple tips:

Brush and Floss Daily: Brushing (twice daily) and flossing (once daily) should be a family routine. For added comfort, use fluoride toothpaste and a child-size toothbrush.
Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: Encourage water and healthy snacks like fruits and veggies. Limit processed snacks and sugary drinks to prevent cavities.
Encourage a Positive Attitude Toward Dental Care: Speak positively about dental visits and involve your child in choosing their toothbrush or toothpaste to make oral care fun.
Schedule Regular Dental Exams: Stick to a consistent checkup schedule every six months to keep their smile healthy.

Exceptional Care at Little Smiles of Washington

At Little Smiles of Washington, we are passionate about offering comprehensive care designed to meet the unique needs of every patient. With clinics in Greater St. Louis, Dardenne Prairie, and Hazelwood, MO, our dedicated team strives to provide safe, effective treatments that exceed your expectations.

We also aim to make every visit enjoyable and stress-free with amenities that include TVs, streaming services, a toy tower, and goodie bags. Our advanced digital X-ray technology ensures accurate diagnostics with less radiation, and financing options like CareCredit make quality dental care accessible to all families.

By focusing on preventative care, we’re building a foundation of lifelong oral health for our patients—and fostering a welcoming, educational environment for every family that walks through our doors.