Pediatric Dentistry

Starting with the child’s first birthday, regular dental check-ups and preventive dental care, such as cleaning and fluoride treatment, provide your child with a “smile” insurance. Dr. Shi provide your children caries prevention and treatment and preventive orthodontics.

Preventing Tooth Decay

Plaque is a sticky film that constantly forms on all areas of your teeth. When sugar and starch from food or drink combine with plaque, an acid is produced. Repeated acid attacks can break down the tooth enamel and eventually result in decay.

Brushing and flossing twice a day are necessary to remove plaques in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Oral care should begin soon after a baby’s birth; gums should be cleaned after each feeding. In fact, you can begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they appear. Children should be able to brush unassisted by the age of seven. Select a child-size toothbrush with soft bristles, which should be replaced every three to four months. In our office, the correct brushing technique will be demonstrated to ensure that your child is doing it properly.

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by slowing the breakdown of enamel and speeding up the natural re-mineralization process. Different strengths of fluoride should be used, two to four times per year, according to the age of child.

A sealant is a plastic material that the dentist paints on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth – premolars and molars. It forms a barrier that protects teeth from plaque and acid attack. During your regular dental visits, your dentist will check the condition of the sealant and re-apply when necessary.