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To prevent dental caries before it becomes a cavity, Virginia Family Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry endorse establishing a dental home
Dental decay is the result of caries, a disease that is caused by many factors but consists of two major players:
1, Bacteria in the mouth
2. Carbohydrates in the diet
Bacteria and carbohydrates interact to cause the acidic breakdown of tooth enamel, leading to a cavity. This process is preventable!
What is a Dental Home?
The Dental Home refers to an established and ongoing relationship between a dentist and a pediatric patient. All aspects of dental care are delivered in a comprehensive, family-friendly manner. This includes:
The Age One Dental Visit
While it is never too late, we recommend that your child come see us at 1 year of age. At this visit, we will perform a comprehensive assessment of oral diseases and identify risk factors to prevent dental decay, thereby reducing the need for future dental treatment and unnecessary anxiety.
Individualized Care
We understand that your child is not simply a small adult. Each child differs in their level of cognition, development, ability to cope, oral health behaviors, and prior medical and dental experiences. For this reason, your child will receive a unique plan for prevention and treatment.
Anticipatory Guidance
We will provide ongoing opportunities for guidance and education on the prevention of dental accidents, proper oral hygiene and home care, dietary counselling, and age-specific expectations for oral growth and development.
Ongoing Relationship
Children are often more comfortable with routine and recognizable surroundings. Your child’s trust in us and our relationship are strengthened over time as we deliver the best care through a comprehensive, accessible, coordinated, and family-centered approach.
Team Approach
Our Dental Home serves as the focal point for your family to interact with a community of caregivers, both within and outside Virginia Family Dentistry. This can be especially important for the comprehensive dental care of your child who may have a special healthcare need or complex medical condition.