Children need routine dental care, just like adults do, so they can avoid issues like tooth decay and even gingivitis. In fact, our team can offer unique treatments to help prevent cavities altogether. In today’s blog, your Grand Prairie, TX, dentist talks about safeguarding small smiles with children’s dentistry.
The Importance of Your Child’s Checkup and Cleaning
When was the last time you brought your child in for a checkup and cleaning? After the initial visit and exam at age one, kids need to start attending checkup and cleaning appointments every six months at around age twp. With these visits, we keep a close eye on the smile as it grows and develops, so we can catch issues with the eruption and loss of primary teeth, and watch for the warning signs of issues like tooth decay and gingivitis. We then treat these issues before they can impact smile stability. These visits also help reduce the risk of dental anxiety, so kids can feel confident when they see us and gain a better understanding of their smile.
We also take time to clean the teeth. While brushing and flossing are essential, the only way to completely remove all harmful plaque and tartar is with a dental cleaning. The procedure involves our team removing all plaque and tartar with an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool. The process takes only a few minutes and is crucial for fighting tooth decay and gingivitis.
Fluoride Treatments
Our team is also proud to offer unique preventive treatments that can limit the risk of tooth decay. For example, during each checkup visit our team can apply a fluoride varnish to the teeth. This mineral has been shown to strengthen the outer enamel, even portions that have been weakened, so the risk of tooth decay is much lower. Applying it only takes a few seconds and kids just need to avoid food and drink for about a half hour as the material cures. You can also help safeguard their smiles by ensuring they use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Look for this ingredient on the packaging, or look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Kids under the age of three should use a rice-sized amount, and kids over the age of three should use a pea-sized blot.
Dental Sealants
Our team can also help with dental sealants, a special acrylic coating we add to the rear teeth. This covers the teeth that kids have a hard time brushing and flossing, so food and drink particles cannot be stuck between them. This helps lower the risk of cavities! Applying the sealants only takes a few seconds, and they can stay in place for up to ten years in some cases, wearing away gradually with time.
Do You Have Any Questions About Children’s Dentistry?
The team at Pecan Tree Dental in Grand Prairie, TX, wants to help your kids enjoy good oral health and shining smiles. To schedule an appointment with our team, call us today at 972-262-5111.
