Preventive Care
Why Preventive Dental Care Matters
At Columbus Pediatric Dentistry, we believe that prevention is the foundation of lifelong oral health. Starting good dental habits early helps protect your child’s teeth, build their confidence, and set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Dr. Harvey’s approach is centered on the idea that preventing dental problems is far easier—and more comfortable—than treating them later. Through early education, regular checkups, and gentle, age-appropriate treatments, she helps young patients develop strong foundations for oral health as they grow.
How We Help Protect Your Child’s Smile
Routine Cleanings and Exams
Regular dental cleanings and exams are one of the most effective ways to keep your child’s teeth strong and healthy. At each visit, we gently remove any plaque and check for early signs of cavities, gum issues, or bite problems. These checkups help us catch small issues before they turn into big ones — saving your child (and you!) a lot of stress later.
Pro Tip: For the best results, we recommend visiting every six months.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants act like invisible shields, protecting your child’s back teeth from cavities. These thin, protective coatings cover the grooves and pits where food and bacteria tend to get trapped. Applying sealants is quick, painless, and highly effective — making them one of the best tools we have to help prevent tooth decay in growing smiles.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities. Fluoride treatments are recommended at every dental cleaning, or at a higher interval depending on a child’s risk for cavities. We are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the safety of fluoride!
Digital X-Rays
We use safe, low-radiation digital X-rays to spot hidden problems, monitor how adult teeth are developing, and ensure everything is progressing as it should. Digital X-rays are fast, comfortable, and significantly safer than traditional methods, because your child’s health and safety are always our top priorities.
Building Healthy Habits for a Lifetime of Smiles
Education
We believe that knowledge is a powerful tool for maintaining a healthy smile — even for our youngest patients. Dr. Harvey and her team take time at each visit to educate children and parents about proper brushing, flossing, and the importance of good dental habits. We also explain how cavities form and provide practical tips to prevent them. When kids understand how to care for their smiles, they feel more confident and motivated to maintain their oral health.
Oral Hygiene
Great oral hygiene habits start early. We teach children how to brush and floss effectively and explain why daily care is so important for a healthy smile. Our team also shares practical tips to make brushing and flossing easier — and more fun — at home, helping set the stage for a lifetime of good habits.
Pro Tip: Brush twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste. Use a rice-sized smear for kids under 3, and a pea-sized amount for ages 3 and up.
Dental Habits
Thumb sucking, pacifier use, and teeth grinding are common behaviors in young children, but they can sometimes affect how teeth and jaws develop. Dr. Harvey monitors these habits closely and provides guidance to help prevent any long-term issues, supporting healthy growth and development for your child’s smile.
Dietary Habits
What your child eats plays a big role in their oral health. During your visit, we’ll talk with you about the best foods and drinks for strong, healthy teeth and offer simple tips for swapping out sugary treats with tooth-friendly options your child will enjoy. Small changes in diet can make a big difference in protecting your child’s smile.
Oral Health and Overall Health
A healthy mouth is essential for your child’s overall well-being. Beyond affecting their ability to smile, eat, and speak, good oral health plays a crucial role in their confidence and long-term health. Poor oral health has been linked to a range of systemic issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Dr. Harvey focuses on maintaining your child’s oral health to help prevent these issues and ensure they grow up with a healthy, confident smile that supports their overall health.
Sports Mouth Guards
Columbus Pediatric Dentistry offers sports mouthguards to protect your child’s teeth during physical activities. Unlike over-the-counter options, these professionally made mouthguards provide superior protection, a comfortable fit, and durability, ensuring your child can play confidently.
Space Maintenance
Baby teeth act as natural placeholders for adult teeth. When one is lost too early due to decay, trauma, or extraction, it can disrupt the development of your child’s permanent smile. That’s where space maintainers come in. These appliances help guide proper tooth alignment, reduce the need for future orthodontics, and support healthy jaw development. We provide fixed space maintainers that are cemented into place and stay in the mouth until the adult tooth erupts. Early intervention with space maintenance can make a big difference in your child’s long-term oral health.
