Preventive Oral Health Care

Every child is different, so their dental visit schedule should be too. At Little Roots, we complete a caries (cavity) risk assessment to determine whether your child is at low, moderate, or high risk for developing cavities. Most children benefit from visits about every six months, while children at higher risk may benefit from more frequent preventive care.

Your child’s risk can change as they grow, so we’ll reassess it over time and recommend a schedule that fits their individual needs. We’ll always explain what we recommend and why.

Not necessarily. Cavities are multifactorial, meaning many factors work together to influence whether they develop — including diet, brushing habits, fluoride exposure, saliva, tooth shape, bacteria, genetics, and overall health.

At Little Roots, prevention is about understanding your child’s individual risk and focusing on the factors we can influence. Our goal is to lower their risk of developing cavities, catch concerns early, and help your family build healthy habits that protect their teeth as they grow.

Healthy habits at home are one of the most important parts of prevention. Brush thoroughly twice a day, clean between teeth once they touch, and limit how often sugary or starchy foods and drinks are enjoyed throughout the day.

When it comes to cavities, both frequency and time matter. Limiting how often teeth are exposed to sugar — and decreasing the amount of time sugar stays on the teeth — can help lower cavity risk. Enjoying something sweet with a meal is generally better for teeth than sipping or snacking on it little by little throughout the day.

At Little Roots, we’ll help you find realistic routines that work for your child and your family.