At OPD Smiles, Dr. Russell Choy puts a big focus on preventive care for our young patients, because as we all know, the best kind of cavity is the one that never develops in the first place! Using regular checkups, cleanings, and the other services detailed below, he can effectively safeguard your child from every day dental problems so they (and you!) have one less thing to worry about. We recommend that a child should have a preventive appointment about every six months, so if it’s time for them to visit the dentist, be sure to give us a call today.
One of the best ways to help your child avoid serious dental problems is to bring them in for a professional checkup and cleaning twice each calendar year. During these visits, Dr. Russell can carefully assess their current teeth, pinpoint any damage or developmental concerns, and provide treatment as needed to stop signs of trouble in their tracks. Our team always takes the time to match our diagnostic approach to your son or daughter’s current age and emotional maturity.
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Learning how to brush and floss as a child can be tricky, especially since there are areas of the mouth that are hard for little hands to reach. In particular, the back teeth (premolars and molars) may be missed here and there, which can lead to a dangerous buildup of plaque and food particles on their chewing surfaces. For this reason, our team recommends dental sealants as a quick and easy preventive measure that can help your son or daughter prevent tooth decay.
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The natural mineral fluoride is found all around us – in many of the foods we eat, countless oral hygiene products on the pharmacy shelves, and even the water streaming from the kitchen sink. This is all for a very good reason, though. Countless studies have demonstrated a clear link between regular exposure to fluoride and stronger, healthier teeth that are less susceptible to cavities. In today’s world, fluoride-free bottled water is becoming the drink of choice for countless people in the United States. If this is the case for your family, there may be benefits related to fluoride that your child is missing out on. To correct this, Dr. Russell will recommend professional silver diamine fluoride applications during their checkups and cleanings. This simple process only takes a few minutes, and the long-lasting benefits are well worth it.
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Keeping your child happy and safe in our pediatric practice is always Dr. Russell’s number one priority. That’s why we use several modern technologies throughout the treatment process, including all-digital X-rays. This diagnostic method doesn’t require the use of darkrooms or hazardous chemicals. The images are captured and then available for viewing within seconds, and best of all, there is very, very little radiation exposure to worry about – up to 80% less than with traditional film, in fact.
Is your son or daughter a passionate athlete? If they’re regularly participating in sports where physical contact is a possibility, it’s important to keep their smile safe from incidental harm. Our custom-made mouthguards (or “sportsguards”) work just like a helmet or kneepads – they provide durable protection for growing teeth and gums so that you can relax on the sidelines. Better yet, they’ll fit much more comfortably and flexibly than a “one size fits all” model that comes from the nearest athletics store.
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about straightening teeth – it can improve your child’s developing bite, prevent dangerous overcrowding of teeth, fix breathing and swallowing problems, help them speak more clearly, and improve their self-confidence as well! Dr. Michael offers a wide variety of services that are a great fit for every age group with a personalized touch.
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It’s never too early to get children started on the right path towards a healthy, happy smile that lasts for life. Dr. Russell has plenty of experience with treating infants, toddlers, school-aged children, teenagers, and everyone who falls somewhere in-between. Better yet, his pediatric care approach will grow with patients over time in order to keep them feeling at ease.
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