Popular Preventive Dentistry Treatments for Kids

We offer preventive dentistry treatments for kids in our clinic and encourage parents to schedule an appointment for them. Routine dental care is important for reducing the likelihood that a child will suffer from oral health problems. Cavities are so common among children that they are one of the main reasons that kids miss days from school. Children of all ages can suffer from them, even toddlers. This makes it absolutely critical that parents bring children to the dentist at least twice per year for regular preventive care.

Here are some of the solutions that we offer in our clinic to help reduce the likelihood of a child developing cavities.

Types of preventive dentistry treatments for kids

#1. Teeth cleanings

We prefer to clean teeth twice a year so that we can remove plaque and tartar. It is difficult to remove all of the plaque when brushing and flossing at home, especially for younger children. Even though children and parents may do their best, the likelihood of some plaque sticking between the teeth is relatively high. To address this issue, patients need to schedule regular teeth cleaning appointments. While here, we will use our professional tools to remove anything that can cause cavities in the future.

#2. Fluoride treatments

Applying fluoride to the teeth can work to strengthen them. Fluorine is a naturally occurring mineral that can strengthen the enamel. Strengthening the enamel helps the tooth to fight off the bacteria and acid that lead to decay. The stronger the teeth are, the less likely it is that teeth will suffer from decay or dental damage. Some research has indicated that fluoride can reduce the likelihood of cavities by up to 30 percent. You can read more information about those claims here, www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Member%20Center/FIles/fluoridation_facts.ashx

#3. Dental sealant

We can place dental sealant can on the chewing surfaces of the teeth in order to prevent cavities. We typically only apply dental sealant is to molars when a child has deep ridges in the chewing surfaces of the teeth. The ridges must be deep for the sealant to remain in place. Otherwise, the sealant can become loose and trap plaque between the tooth structure and the sealant, increasing the risk of cavities.

Thus, it is crucial that one only receives dental sealant per the recommendation of a dentist. The sealant itself is a clear plastic-like material that we easily spread onto the teeth. It only takes a couple of minutes per tooth for the sealant to harden. Once the sealant hardens, a child can eat food without the food actually touching the surfaces of the teeth. In this way, sealant acts as a barrier and reduces the likelihood of a child developing cavities in that portion of the tooth.

#4. Mouth guards

We also recommend that children wear mouth guards which can be created in our dental office. These guards are to be worn when practicing or playing sports to ensure that if something collides with the mouth, teeth will not become damaged.

Schedule an appointment

The first step in receiving preventive dentistry treatments for kids is to schedule an appointment with our dental office. We can examine your child, clean their teeth and discuss preventative solutions that can help to reduce their risk for a cavity.