Without routine care and attention, even children in the baby and toddler ages could be susceptible to cavities! As they grow older, additional risks could include the onset of gingivitis. In today’s blog, your Garland, TX, dentist will look at the steps we take to help children in our community enjoy optimal oral health.
When to See Us
Like you, children should see us about every six months for a checkup and cleaning. During the checkup, we will carefully examine the smile to identify developing problems, so we can address them before kids experience pain or risk damage to their smiles. We tend to watch for signs of cavities, gingivitis, and developing misalignment. During the cleaning portion, we remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth, which helps reduce the risk of cavities and periodontal problems, while also brightening teeth and offering fresher breath. The first visit should happen after the first baby tooth erupts.
Preventive Treatments
While checkups and cleanings help us keep an eye on the tooth, we also have preventive treatments to strengthen smiles against the onset of cavities. For example, our fluoride treatments involve placing a special varnish on the teeth, which remineralizes the outer enamel to keep it strong and prevent erosion and tooth decay. Application only takes minutes, and we can reapply in future checkup visits. A dental sealant involves placing a special acrylic coating on the rear teeth, which are often difficult for kids to reach when kids brush and floss. The procedure prevents food from becoming stuck between these teeth. The sealants last for years and wear away gradually with time.
Advice for Quality Homecare
Your little ones also benefit from homecare as well. When they wake up and again before bed, your children need to brush for two minutes, and kids three and older should use a toothpaste with fluoride. Little ones also need to floss before bed as well, which removes the bits of food a toothbrush alone cannot. To help prevent cavities, offer them healthier snack choices, with fewer items high in sugar and starch. If your child begins to complain about sore teeth or gums, the let us know right away so we can offer a diagnosis and if necessary, treatment. If you have any questions about protecting little smiles, then contact our team today to schedule your child’s next visit.
SCHEDULE YOUR CHILD’S VISIT TODAY
Our team is ready to help you enjoy a healthy smile, one that will last for many years to come. To find out more about children’s dentistry, then schedule a consultation by calling Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX, today at 972-530-0552. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese.
