Preventive Dental Care Treatments in Houston

Just like cleanings and exams for adults, pediatric cleanings and exams are fairly straightforward. Houston pediatric dentist Dr. Hanna and her team will clean their teeth and gums, then she will carefully examine their mouth and take x-rays to look for potential issues with your child’s oral health and development.

You’ll have the opportunity during this visit to speak with Dr. Hanna about what to expect during the various stages of their oral development, like when their teeth will be erupting, falling out, then erupting again as adult teeth. We will discuss proper techniques for at-home oral hygiene care for different age groups, and even talk about nutrition and diet, and how it’s related to your child’s general health. 

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Digital x-rays produce high-resolution images that capture your child’s tooth and surrounding bone structure. X-rays will only be recommended if Dr. Hanna thinks they are necessary. For most cases, x-rays are taken once every year, however, Dr. Hanna may recommend more if your child is at high risk for cavities. 

Cavities and toothaches are never fun, especially for your child. When it comes to treating decay in baby teeth, you may be wondering if there are alternatives to dental fillings. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a non-invasive procedure that doesn't require any drills or shots and can be completed in minutes. Painting on a layer of SDF to the affected tooth not only kills the bacteria that cause decay but also seals and remineralizes the tooth for added strength. If your little one has a cavity, fillings may not be the only option!

Dental sealants use a transparent liquid resin, which is applied directly to the teeth and is hardened using a UV light. This creates an impenetrable seal on your child’s tooth, which stops bacteria, acid, and food particles from causing cavities. Dental sealants treatment is usually recommended specifically for cavity-prone rear teeth.

Even children need oral cancer screenings! This is an essential part of preventive dental care that can be performed quickly, safely, and usually without your child noticing.

During the screening, the pediatric dentist will examine your child’s mouth, gums, and oral tissues. They’ll look for discolored patches, lumps, growths, and other similar abnormalities. In the rare case that an issue is found, a biopsy may be recommended. 

Scheduling a dental visit for kids every 6 months allows Dr. Hanna to address any issues before they become larger problems.

We want every child to feel welcome and every parent to feel assured that they are in capable hands. When you come to our practice, you can rest easy knowing we have knowledge and expertise in helping children with special needs. For kids with sensory processing disease, autism, and a variety of other conditions, we are equipped in providing the dental care they need. Get in touch today to see how we can accommodate your family. 

Unconscious teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, is a common issue that tends to happen at night while patients are asleep. However, night guards can help patients alleviate symptoms of bruxism by creating a barrier between your teeth that protects them from grinding-related damage. Depending on the severity of the case, night guards can be made from several different materials with varying degrees of softness.

To get fitted for a night guard, you will receive impressions or digital scans of your teeth and gums that we will use to custom-craft a mold that will then be sent to the lab. Your night guard will be created to match your exact specifications and measurements for a perfect fit. Night guards ease tension in your jaw, alleviating the painful headaches and preventing dental damage caused by clenching and grinding. Night guards can keep your smile healthy and help you get the restful sleep you need.

Sports guards are worn over the teeth, and are specifically designed to protect your mouth from oral trauma caused by high-impact sports. Many sports put players at risk for dental injuries caused by collisions to the mouth, face, or head, but a custom-fitted sports guard can help protect you from chipping, cracking, or knocking out a tooth. Tailored to fit your unique smile, sports guards are both comfortable and durable, so you can play the sports you love without missing a beat.

A sports guard is essential if you’re an athlete who plays football, basketball, baseball, soccer, rugby, hockey, gymnastics, mountain biking, or if you participate in any other activities that put you at risk for injury due to falling, body contact, or flying objects.