Preventive pediatric dental care includes regular dental exams, professional cleanings, and check-ups designed to protect your child’s oral health as they grow. At Ari Pediatric Dentistry in London, Ontario, we recommend visits every six months after your child’s first appointment to help identify concerns early and prevent serious oral health issues.

During these visits, our pediatric dentists examine your child’s teeth, gums, and oral development to ensure everything is progressing normally. If we notice any changes, early signs of decay, or developmental concerns, we discuss them with parents right away so informed decisions can be made.

As trained pediatric dentists, we focus on age-appropriate care that supports healthy tooth development from infancy through adolescence.

When needed, our team uses low-radiation digital X-rays to safely detect cavities, monitor tooth growth, and identify early orthodontic concerns. Professional cleanings remove plaque and buildup that brushing and flossing at home can’t reach, especially in hard-to-clean areas.

Preventive dentistry plays a key role in maintaining healthy smiles and reducing the need for more complex dental treatment later on.

Early Infant Dental Care Helps Protect Your Child’s Smile

• Early cavity detection in baby teeth

• Healthier smiles from infancy

• Proper care for developing teeth and gums

• Reduced risk of early childhood cavities

• Early guidance from a pediatric dentist

Cavities are one of the most common childhood health conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 5 children have at least one untreated cavity, including cavities in baby teeth.

A pediatric dentist is specially trained to help prevent early childhood cavities and guide parents on proper infant oral care.

How Parents Can Provide Infant Oral Care at Home

When your child approaches their first birthday, schedule their first dental visit with a pediatric dentist in London. Early visits allow us to identify potential dental issues before they become more serious.

There are things you can do – right now – to help prepare your child’s smile for optimum health and longevity. They include:

1. Gently wipe gums twice a day with a clean cloth. Do this after their morning feeding and before bed to remove cavity-causing sugars and bacteria.

2. Once teeth first appear, begin brushing them two times per day with a small-bristled brush and water.

3. When your child gets close to their first birthday, book them in for their first appointment with our pediatric dentist in London. We have the expertise and training to spot the early signs of dental issues.

4. Ask us about putting fluoride varnish on your child’s teeth and whether it’s right for them. Don’t proceed until you’ve had a conversation with us!

If you have questions about infant oral care or your child’s first dental visit, contact our pediatric dental team in London, Ontario. We’re happy to guide you every step of the way.

Baby teeth play an important role in speech development, eating, and guiding permanent teeth into place. Caring for them early helps set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Dental education is a key part of pediatric dentistry. A pediatric dentist helps children and parents understand the importance of daily oral care from an early age. As children grow, parents receive guidance on brushing techniques, toothpaste selection, diet, thumb-sucking habits, and healthy dental development.

When a child can write their name, they typically have the coordination needed to brush their teeth more effectively. Parents should still supervise and assist to ensure proper technique.

Preventive pediatric dentistry focuses on keeping your kid’s teeth healthy. Here are some of the recommended practices:

• Brush twice daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush for two full minutes and replace it every few months or sooner if bristles are frayed.

• Floss once a day. Flossing removes plaque and food particles between teeth and along the gum line.

• Visit a pediatric dentist regularly. Routine dental visits help identify issues early and maintain long-term oral health.

• Eat a balanced diet. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, and encourage water consumption to support healthy teeth.

Preventive dental treatments, including fluoride applications, play an important role in protecting children’s teeth. Early cleanings and preventive care help stop cavities before bacteria can cause long-term damage.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), topical fluoride treatments help strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of cavities, especially during the years when children are most vulnerable to tooth decay.

Dental sealants are another effective preventive treatment. Sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to protect against decay. When placed early, sealants can reduce the risk of cavities in back teeth by nearly 80 percent.

As children grow, a pediatric dentist monitors tooth development and bite alignment. If needed, an early orthodontic referral may be recommended to guide proper alignment and prevent more complex issues later.