Services
Family & Children's Dentistry
Dr. Jarvis and our team adore children and consider providing quality, thorough children's dental care an honor. You love your children dearly, and you want the very best for them. As your family dental care provider, Dr. Jarvis also wants the best for your kids. Our team wants you and your children to feel welcome, well cared for, and comfortable at Blackhawk Dental Care. The same important oral healthcare techniques and habits we help you teach your children should be instituted in your own life, as well: daily brushing and flossing, a healthy diet, cavity and disease prevention, and regular checkups and cleanings.
How can I help my children prevent cavities and gum disease?
Brush twice a day with an ADA-approved toothpaste, and floss once a day. In addition, to prevent dental caries (cavities), which is the most widespread childhood disease, Dr. Jarvis offers dental sealants and fluoride supplements. Dental sealants are tooth-colored coatings painted onto back teeth – those that can be difficult to brush and floss. The sealants create a barrier between cavity-causing starches, sugars, and bacteria, thus reducing the potential for tooth decay.
What is fluoride, and why do we need it?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that attracts other minerals to strengthen tooth enamel. You may have heard some controversy about fluoride, but the truth is, since the introduction of small amounts of fluoride into most public water systems, dental caries in the US has dramatically dropped. Today, children often drink bottled water, which usually does not contain fluoride. To make sure your child has the right amount of fluoride for cavity protection, Dr. Jarvis offers quick and easy fluoride supplements.
Do babies need fluoride?
If you are a new parent, it is wise to mix your child's formula with bottled water. Formula contains fluoride, so if you use tap water to mix formula, your baby will get a double dose of fluoride, which could cause permanent tooth staining called fluorosis.
When should my child start dental checkups and cleanings?
The American Dental Association recommends children see the dentist by their first birthday. This may seem premature, but a quick dental visit will allow Dr. Jarvis to look for potential developmental problems in your child's mouth. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to learn about oral healthcare for babies and toddlers. The earlier a child becomes accustomed to the sights, sounds, and people at the dentist's office, the more likely he or she will be to feel comfortable at dental appointments later in life. Dr. Jarvis and our entire team understand the importance of happy, fun early childhood dental visits, and we promise to do our best to make your child's visits a pleasure.
If you notice any developmental problems in your child's mouth, schedule a visit. Otherwise, plan to bring your child in for "happy visits" every six months as their teeth develop. Around age two-and-a-half to three years, we will begin to schedule cleanings with the dental hygienist, as well.
What if I have more questions?
Call us! Our front office team will be happy to help you over the phone as much as possible, and we can also schedule a convenient appointment with Dr. Jarvis.
Call Blackhawk Dental today to reserve checkups, cleanings, or happy visits for the smiles you love most! As a family dentist, Dr. Jarvis serves patients in San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, and surrounding communities.
