Dental Cleanings/Prophylaxis
Our licensed Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs) provide dental cleanings up to 2 visits per school year. This includes scaling (as needed), polishing and flossing just as one would receive at a regular dental visit.
Screenings
Our RDHs complete an oral cancer screening by thoroughly checking all the areas of soft tissue (cheeks, throat, gums & lips) for suspicious lesions. During the screening, the RDH also checks each individual tooth for any suspected areas of exposed dentin (possible cavities) that may require us to recommend outside treatment.
Fluoride Varnish
A gel-like coating (sodium fluoride varnish) is applied to the teeth to help in the prevention of cavities. The application takes approximately 30 seconds and the effects of the varnish can last between 3-6 months to help keep cavities away.
Sealants
This treatment is typically recommended as soon as the 6-year molars appear and again when 12-year molars erupt. A resin-based material is applied onto the crevices and grooves of the molars on the bite surfaces. A light is used to harden this material.
By having sealants placed, the risk of getting sugary or carb-containing foods trapped in those grooves is greatly reduced. Cavity-causing bacteria love to snack on trapped foods and then release acid. This acid causes the tooth enamel to dissolve and cause a cavity.
Sealant Retention Checks
The registered dental hygienist will check each existing sealant for structural integrity. Sealants can wear out and chip off over time from chewing.
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)
If the cavity-causing bacteria and acid start to make their way through the first layer of the tooth (enamel), that part of the tooth doesn’t come back on its own. SDF is a liquid treatment that may be recommended for these areas to stop those spots from getting worse. By slowing the suspected cavities down, there is more time to seek a dentist for care and also reduce the risk of the tooth becoming sensitive.
*We contact families for additional consent before applying this product*
Dental Office Partnership Referrals
When the RDH finds an area of concern or your child is experiencing discomfort, we will send the referral form home with them. This form contains a list of dentists we have partnered with that can be reached out to for assistance.
Oral Hygiene Education
While the RDH cleans your child’s teeth they will teach them how to best care for their teeth by showing them proper brushing and flossing technique and talking about what foods and drinks are best for healthy teeth.