Minimally invasive pediatric dentistry focuses on preserving natural tooth structure, preventing cavity progression, and reducing anxiety by avoiding traditional drilling and anesthesia.
Preventive Care
Preventive dental care is important throughout life, especially at a young age. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups with the dentist, your child can help keep their smile bright and healthy for many years to come. Here are a few simple ways to prevent the build-up of plaque and cavities:
- Make sure your child brushes their teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces. Also be sure your child brushes the top surface of the tongue; this will remove any extra plaque-causing food particles and help keep their breath fresh!
- Make sure your child cleans between teeth by flossing at least once a day. You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen breath. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach. Floss and mouthwash will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
- Make sure your child eats a balanced diet, and try to avoid extra-sugary treats. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, or fruit can help keep your child's smile healthy.
- Remember to schedule regular checkups with your child’s dentist every six months for a professional teeth cleaning.
Povi-One™
Daily oral hygiene is crucial, but sometimes it isn’t enough to prevent cavities, periodontal disease, and bad breath. Povi-One is an FDA-cleared 10% povidone-iodine (PVP-I) oral antiseptic designed to control cavity-causing bacteria and manage gum inflammation. It is commonly used by dentists as a painless, minimally invasive treatment to protect vulnerable teeth, manage early decay, and support gum health.
- Eliminates Bacteria: The iodine kills streptococcus mutans, the primary bacteria responsible for converting sugar into acid and creating plaque.
- Disrupts Adhesion: It prevents leftover bacteria from clinging to tooth surfaces, which significantly lowers the risk of new cavities.
- Safe and Gentle: Unlike some harsh antiseptics, it targets harmful pathogens without severely disrupting your overall oral microbiome.
Papacárie® Duo
Papacárie is a revolutionary dental product used in dentistry since 2003. Its main advantage is the elimination of cavities without pain.
- This gel is a harmless water-based material, completely safe for all patients as it does not contain toxic or irritating components.
- Papacárie has been clinically tested and is safe for all patients, including young children and pregnant women.
- A single drop of Papacárie softens caries and allows it to be detached from healthy dentin with a simple curette.
- Papacárie only reacts in contact with infected dentin, leaving the healthy tissue intact.
- In just 30 seconds, without pain or tenderness, you can remove cavities using only a curette. In most cases, there is no need for anesthesia and/or drills.
Silver Diamine Fluoride
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is an FDA-approved topical solution that treats and prevents dental caries and reduces tooth sensitivity. It is made with two active ingredients: the silver component is an anti-microbial agent that kills bacteria and prevents the formation of new biofilm, and the fluoride prevents further demineralization (softening) of the tooth structure.
Treatment with SDF does not eliminate the need for restorative dentistry (fillings, crowns, etc.) to repair function or aesthetics, but is effective at preventing further decay.
SDF is a simple and noninvasive way to treat carious lesions (cavities), and it can be done from the comfort of our dental office.
- The teeth are brushed without paste and rinsed.
- The carious teeth are isolated, kept dry, and all excess debris is removed.
- A microbrush is dipped in a drop of SDF and placed on the lesion(s) for two minutes.
- Any decayed areas will stain black. Healthy tooth structure will not stain.
- Excess SDF is removed and patients are instructed to not eat or drink for one hour.