Preventative Dental Care

At Bippo’s Place for Smiles, we love helping children build strong, healthy smiles that last a lifetime!  Even with good brushing habits, your child’s back teeth (molars) have tiny grooves and pits that can easily trap food and bacteria.  We offer both Dental Sealants and Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) as simple, painless preventive treatments to protect those hard-to-reach areas from cavities.

Dental Sealants for Kids

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings made from a safe, BPA-free resin.  They’re gently “painted” onto the chewing surfaces of your child’s molars, sealing out food particles and bacteria that can cause tooth decay.  Sealants act like a shield for your child’s teeth—keeping them strong and cavity-free for years!  Most children benefit from sealants when their first permanent molars come in around age 6, and again when their second molars appear around age 12.  The great news is that most dental insurance plans cover sealants as part of preventive care.  During your child’s regular check-up, our friendly team will let you know if their molars are ready for sealants.

The sealant process is quick and completely painless—usually taking just five to ten minutes per tooth.  We start by cleaning and drying the teeth, applying a gentle solution to help the sealant stick, then painting it on and using a special light to harden it.  Sealants can last for several years, and we’ll check them at every appointment to make sure they are still protecting your child’s smiles.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)

Our office proudly offers AAPD-approved Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) treatment, a gentle and effective way to stop early tooth decay and protect your child’s smile.  SDF is a quick, painless liquid medicine applied to small cavities to help prevent them from getting bigger—without drilling or numbing.  While it is an excellent option for young children, anxious patients, or families looking for a conservative approach to cavity management, SDF does have a downside.  When small cavities are treated with SDF, the cavity will permanently turn black in the mouth.

During an SDF visit, our pediatric dental team simply brushes the solution onto the affected tooth, where it works to strengthen enamel and halt decay.  The procedure takes only a few minutes and helps safeguard your child’s oral health between regular cleanings.  Parents appreciate SDF because it can delay or even eliminate the need for more involved dental treatments, while kids love how fast and comfortable it is.  If you’re looking for a safe, proved, and kid-friendly way to manage early cavities, SDF may be the perfect choice for your child.  Be sure to discuss these options with our team!