Kids need to care for their smiles just like grown-ups, which is why we offer children’s dentistry as part of our approach to family dental care. From checkups to dental sealants, we can help kids of all ages maintain good oral health and avoid cavities. In today’s blog, your Grand Prairie, TX, dentist talks about protecting small smiles with children’s dentistry!
Checkups and Cleanings for Kids
Just like their parents, children need to see us for routine checkups and cleanings every six months, starting at around age two. During the checkup portion, we will examine the smile and watch for possible issues, so we can treat them quickly and help your little ones avoid complications and discomfort. We also talk to them about oral hygiene habits and how to better protect their smiles from home. These visits are a great way to help them understand the importance of caring for their smiles, and to avoid dental anxiety as teens and adults.
We also clean the teeth just like we do for adults, using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual pick to gently and thoroughly break up and remove all plaque and tartar. We then polish the teeth to make it more difficult for plaque and tartar to accumulate before they see us again. This can protect your little ones from bad breath, teeth stains, cavities, and even gingivitis.
Preventing Cavities
We also have treatments that are designed to help lower the risk of cavities forming in little smiles. With a fluoride treatment, we apply fluoride to the teeth in a varnish form as part of the checkup and cleaning visit. This helps ensure the outer enamel stays strong and doesn’t erode, so kids don’t develop tooth decay.
The rear molars are often hard for kids to reach when they brush and floss, leaving them vulnerable to tooth decay. But with dental sealants, we coat these back teeth in a thin layer of acrylic so particles of sugar and starch cannot be trapped there beyond the reach of a toothbrush and floss. These can stay in place for years to come!
Dental Fillings
If we do discover a cavity, we can place a metal-free composite resin filling, one that is safe for kids of all ages and one that blends with the tooth for a natural appearance. Remember, baby teeth need treatment because months or even years could elapse between when a cavity forms and when the teeth fall out naturally, and we want to protect kids from infection or premature tooth loss. If your little one complains about a toothache or sensitivity when eating or drinking be sure you bring them in for an appointment. We can see if they need treatment and offer care to stop the decay and also help prevent future ones.
If you have any questions about children’s dentistry, then contact our team today!
Learn More About Children’s Dentistry
Our team wants to help your children maintain good oral health and gain a better understanding of their own smiles. When you are ready to schedule your appointment with our office for treatment, contact Pecan Tree Dental in Grand Prairie, TX at 972-262-5111.
