Preventive Dentistry in Mountain View, CA

Sealants

Dental sealants are resin-based material placed on the tooth structure with deep pit and groove. The deep pit and groove accounts for more than 90 percent of the cavities in posterior teeth and the placement of dental sealants have been shown to reduce the caries incident of more than 80 percent.

We recommend sealants on newly erupted primary and permanent molars with the indicated deep pit and fissure that is susceptible to cavities, and in patients with high risk for cavities. At our office, we use dental sealants that are free of BPA (bisphenol-A).

Fluoride

Evidence-based reviews show that fluoride use for prevention and control of cavities is both safe and highly effective in reducing caries prevalence.  At the cleaning visit, we offer the application of 5 percent sodium fluoride varnish or 1.23 percent acidulated phosphate fluoride. After the application, we recommend that the patient refrain from drinking water for approximately 30 minutes.

For systemic fluoride supplement, we recommend in children with high risk for cavities and who drink water with fluoride level less than 0.6 ppm. To find out about the level of fluoride in your drinking water, click here for the California Department of Public health Drinking Water Program 2013 Annual Fluoridation Report.

At our office we also offer Sodium Diamine Fluoride as an option. Our pediatric dentist will determine what would be the best treatment option for each patient based on many factors including age, behavior, and the extent of dental treatment need.

Oral Hygiene instruction

At the oral exam and recall appointment, we review the oral hygiene care at home for your children. We recommend using fluoride toothpaste with appropriate brush size, under supervision of parents, in infants and children. The amount of fluoride toothpaste recommended is smear-size in children less than 3 years of age, and pea-size in children aged 3-6 years old. Flossing is recommended whenever two adjacent teeth are seen touching each other. We also recommend prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash in the children with high risk for cavities.