By starting early, you can help your child develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Preventative care includes routine checkups and cleanings, as well as fluoride treatments and sealants. These simple interventions can help to reduce the risk of cavities and other dental problems.
Routine dental check-ups are an important part of preventative care for children. Preventative dentistry is the practice of taking steps to avoid the development of oral health problems. Pediatric preventative care includes routine dental check-ups, which help to identify potential problems early and ensure that children receive the necessary treatment to maintain good oral health.
Check-ups also allow dentists to provide education and guidance on proper oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have a dental check-up every six months. This ensures that any problems are detected and treated early, before they become more serious. Routine dental check-ups are an important part of maintaining good oral health for kids.
A routine dental check-up will involve a professional cleaning, followed by a thorough examination of the teeth and gums. The dentist may also take x-rays in order to get a clear view of the teeth and underlying structures. During the exam, the dentist will look for any signs of tooth decay or gum disease. If necessary, they may also perform additional tests, such as an oral cancer screening. Once the examination is complete, the dentist will discuss their findings with the patient and provide recommendations for treatment. In most cases, a routine dental check-up is all that is needed to maintain good oral health. However, if the dentist detects any problems, they may recommend more frequent visits or additional treatments.
Dr. Josh and his team will give guidance to the parents and child for best practices to build these habits. It is important to brush and floss teeth daily to prevent cavities. Most children under the age of 8 will need assistance from an adult to adequately clean their teeth. As children get older, they can be taught to brush and floss on their own.
To ensure that your child is brushing properly, check their teeth at least once a month. If you notice any redness or swelling in the gums, make an appointment with the dentist right away. By teaching your child good oral health habits early on, you can help them maintain a healthy smile for their future.
Digital x-rays are the best choice for kids, since they are very fast, provide high-resolution images, and expose children to less radiation. X-rays will typically be recommended if Dr. Josh thinks that your kid needs them, every few years, or more frequently if your child is at high risk for oral disease.
Dental sealants use a transparent liquid resin, which is applied directly to the teeth and is hardened using a UV light. This creates an impenetrable seal on your child’s tooth, which stops bacteria, acid, and food particles from causing cavities. Dr. Josh usually recommends sealants specifically for the cavity-prone rear teeth.
Oral cancer screenings are an essential part of preventive care, even for children. Screenings are a part of your child’s oral exams and can be performed quickly, safely, and usually without your child noticing.
Fluoride treatments consist of a fluoride gel or paste that is “painted” onto your child’s teeth after a teeth cleaning. The fluoride helps remineralize and strengthen your child’s teeth, and can even reverse “soft spots” which are the first stage of tooth decay.
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) arrests tooth decay in baby teeth. It uses a blend of silver, ammonia, water, and fluoride that kills bacteria and prevents further decay, keeping your child’s tooth healthy until it falls out naturally. It is possible that your child's tooth may still need a filling or crown in the future, and it’s only used in baby teeth because it will permanently stain the treated area black.
If your child plays any contact sports, custom-fitted mouthguards help protect their teeth from damage. We offer comfortable mouthguards that cushion and protect the teeth and gums, and help your child avoid oral injuries like cracked, broken, loose, or avulsed (knocked-out) teeth.
© 2022 Mor Smiles 4 Kids | All Rights Reserved | An Art of Dental Marketing Website | Privacy & Terms