Good dental habits start young — and routine care is the key to long-term oral health. At Valley Dental Care, our pediatric preventive care services help children and teens build strong, healthy smiles from an early age. Designed for patients ages 5 through 17, our care focuses on early detection, education, and gentle treatment in a welcoming environment.
What Is Pediatric Preventive Care?
Pediatric preventive care includes a wide range of services that aim to prevent dental problems before they start. By catching issues early and encouraging healthy routines at home, we make it easier to avoid more complex treatment later. Our comprehensive services include:
- Routine dental exams and cleanings
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Fluoride treatments and sealants
- Space maintainers when necessary
Exams and Cleanings
Why Regular Visits Matter
Children’s teeth and jaws grow quickly, so regular checkups are essential. These visits allow us to monitor development, reinforce good hygiene habits, and spot early signs of decay or crowding. In most cases, we recommend scheduling an appointment every six months.
What to Expect During a Visit
Each dental exam is designed to be thorough yet stress-free. During your child’s visit, our team will:
- Examine the teeth and gums for signs of decay, inflammation, or infection
- Check the bite for alignment or spacing issues
- Evaluate any oral habits that might affect development, such as thumb-sucking
Cleanings with a Gentle Touch
Cleanings remove plaque and tartar from teeth, helping to prevent cavities and gum disease. Our hygienists use age-appropriate tools and explain each step to make the experience as comfortable as possible. This is also a great time for us to demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques in a way your child can understand.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Despite the best preventive care, cavities can still happen. When they do, we use natural-looking, composite resin fillings to restore the tooth. These materials are safe, strong, and blend in with the surrounding enamel. Importantly, we only recommend fillings when they’re truly needed — and we always take time to walk parents through the treatment plan.
Fluoride Treatments and Dental Sealants
Fluoride for Stronger Enamel
Fluoride helps strengthen developing enamel and reverse early signs of decay. During cleanings, we may apply a quick fluoride varnish for added protection. This is especially helpful for kids who are cavity-prone. To explore fluoride benefits in more detail, visit the Centers for Disease Control.
Sealants to Prevent Decay
Back molars have deep grooves that easily trap food and bacteria. Sealants are clear or tooth-colored coatings placed on these surfaces to block out plaque. They can reduce cavity risk by up to 80%. We typically recommend sealants when permanent molars erupt — usually around age 6 or 12. Visit our cavity prevention page to learn more.
Space Maintainers
Baby teeth play a vital role in guiding permanent teeth into place. When a baby tooth is lost too early, surrounding teeth can shift and create crowding. A space maintainer helps hold the space open until the adult tooth is ready to erupt. This small appliance may reduce the need for orthodontic treatment later on.
Education and Family Support
We don’t just treat — we teach. Our team takes time to explain dental care in a way that’s fun and easy to follow. At the same time, we give parents tips on nutrition, brushing routines, and how to handle common dental milestones at home. By working together, we help build lasting habits and reduce anxiety around dental visits.
Why Choose Valley Dental Care?
Families in Aurora and Oswego trust Valley Dental Care for compassionate, preventive care that puts kids first. Our team is experienced with young patients and creates a calm, supportive experience every step of the way. Whether it’s your child’s first visit or their tenth, we’ll make sure they leave with a healthy smile — and a positive impression.