Compared to adults, children have a lifetime ahead of them. Therefore, when it comes to pediatric dental care, prevention is the focus. Preventative dental treatments at an early age can go a long way in helping patients avoid costly and painful dental services later in life. One part of preventative dental care is what you do at home, which includes watching the intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks as well as practicing good oral hygiene. The second part of preventative dental care for kids, however, comes from your dentist.
Beyond routine cleanings, children may need a little extra protection to retain a clean and healthy smile. Two of the most important dental services for kids are fluoride treatments and sealant applications. These quick and easy services work to boost the strength of their teeth enamel, which in turn helps to prevent cavities and other unwanted dental issues.
Fluoride Treatments
Diligent teeth cleaning (at home and at the dentist’s office) is critical for your child’s oral health. Unfortunately, this doesn’t eliminate the threat of harmful bacteria and tooth decay. Cavities begin when bacteria and plaque combine, as this creates acids that erode the enamel (outer layer) of the teeth. To help prevent this, we can improve the strength of the outer enamel so that the inner tooth structures don’t become exposed and vulnerable. This is often done with the use of fluoride treatments. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is known for its influential role in dental health. When applied to your child’s teeth, fluoride binds to the mineral strands of the enamel, which makes it stronger and more resilient to bacteria attacks!
Dental Sealants
What if your child’s enamel is already weak? What about the back teeth that are at high risk for cavities? There is another dental service that is routinely recommended for kids called sealants. Dental sealants involve applying a clear, biocompatible layer of acrylic along the chewing surfaces of their teeth. The back teeth (molars) are prime targets for cavities due to the difficulty of cleaning these hard-to-reach teeth as well as their deep pits and grooves. Therefore, sealants are used in school-aged kids to provide a barrier against bacteria on their permanent molars.
At Georgia Ortho & Children’s Dentistry, we understand exactly what it takes to keep your child’s smile strong and healthy. Beyond our preventative services of fluoride and sealants, we also take the time to educate patients (and their parents) about ways to boost their oral health from home. Call now to learn more!
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