Services for Oral Health

At Kalamazoo Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Basler and Dr. van Hofwegen believe that there are several preventive measures that can be taken to prevent your child from having to undergo more complicated and invasive dental procedures in the future. Our entire staff enjoys educating parents and children regarding our preventive dental services. Here are some of the services we offer that will help keep your child’s smile clean and healthy.

Education

Let us show your child how to properly brush and floss. We also enjoy discussing proper diets with our patients and showing them how to protect their teeth with mouthguards. We want all our patients to enjoy great dental health, and that starts with a great dental education.

Infant Oral Examination

We recommend that you bring your infant in to be examined by either Dr. Basler or Dr. van Hofwegen around their first birthday. We can evaluate tooth eruption and do our best to visually catch any dental concerns. This exam is non-invasive and helps establish a positive relationship between your baby and our dental staff.

Routine Cleanings

Unless otherwise recommended, children should be seen every six months for a dental cleaning and exam. During these exams, your child’s teeth will be professionally cleaned to remove plaque and tartar. Our cleanings are customized to your child’s individual needs and might include X-rays and a fluoride treatment. Routine cleanings help us detect any issues with your child’s dental health, like unhealthy gums or cavities, and address the concerns before they become a serious problem.

Tooth Sealants

Tooth sealants are popular in pediatric dentistry. They help protect the deep pits and grooves in molars, where it’s easier for food to become trapped. Sealants naturally break down over time which is why our staff will let you know when your child is ready for another placement. Sealants are painless and simple to place and can help children keep their teeth clean while they develop their oral hygiene skills.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments are another way Kalamazoo Pediatric Dentistry help keep our patients’ smiles healthy. These simple and painless procedures re-mineralize teeth, stop any developing cavities, help teeth resist damage from bacteria and slow down the bad bacteria. We will let you know if we think your child can benefit from fluoride mouthwash and toothpaste at home as well.

X-Rays

We understand parents have concerns about administering too many X-rays to their children. That’s why we’ll only take X-rays when we feel it’s necessary. There are instances where cavities and other dental problems can only be diagnosed with an X-ray. Please note that we take all preventive measures to ensure your child’s safety when taking radiographs.