Dental decay is the result of caries, a disease that is caused by many factors but consists of two major players:
- Bacteria in the Mouth
- Carbohydrates in the Diet
Bacteria and carbohydrates interace to cause the acidic breakdown of the tooth, resulting in a cavity. This process is preventable!
In order to intervene and prevent dental caries early in your child’s life before it becomes a cavity, Virginia Family Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry endorse the establishment of a dental home.
What is a Dental Home?
The Dental Home refers to an established and ongoing relationship between a dentist and pediatric patient. All aspects dental care are conducted in a comprehensive and family-friendly way. This includes:
The Age 1 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 be able to perform a comprehensive assessment of oral diseases and establish risk factors in order to prevent dental decay, thereby reducing the need for future dental treatment or 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 the ongoing opportunity for guidance and education about the prevention of dental accidents, proper oral hygiene homecare, dietary counseling, and expectations for oral growth and development that is age-specific.
On-Going Relationship
Children are often more comfortable with routine and recoginizable 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 provides the focal point for your family to interact with a community of caregivers both inside and outside of 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.