Children need to visit the dentist for routine checkups and cleanings, just like adults do! In fact, now is a great time to schedule a visit, as school is starting soon. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist wants to talk about why kids need checkups, and about our preventive treatments to fight childhood cavities!
Checkups and Cleanings
Starting at around age two, we want to start seeing your children for checkups and cleanings about once every six months. Serious oral health issues like misalignment, gingivitis, and cavities don’t form overnight, so a visit every few months allows us to identify concerns in the early stages and treat them before they put the smile at risk. In addition, in the same visit we will conduct a thorough dental cleaning, a procedure that removes all plaque and tartar from the teeth to fight gingivitis and cavities, and keep breath fresh and teeth bright! Now is a great time to schedule one, as kids are returning to school soon.
Preventing Cavities
Our team could provide treatments that are designed to help prevent cavities from forming. For example, during each checkup and cleaning visit, we can apply fluoride to the teeth in a topical gel form. Fluoride has been shown to strengthen tooth enamel and lower the risk of tooth decay in patients of all ages. The placement process takes seconds, and children need to avoid food and drink for about 30 minutes as it cures. We can re-apply during each checkup visit. At home, kids should also use fluoride in their toothpaste when they brush. Kids three and younger need a rice sized amount on their toothbrush, while everyone over the age of three needs a pea sized amount.
We also have dental sealants! The rear teeth are difficult for kids to reach when brushing and flossing, so they’re more likely to develop cavities. But with sealants, we place an acrylic coating to these teeth to prevent food and drink particles from being stuck between them, lowering the risk of cavities. They can also last up to ten years in some cases!
Placing Fillings
If we don’t discover a cavity, then our team can provide treatment in one visit with a dental filling. Using a composite resin material that is safe for all ages, we provide a filling that will blends with the tooth and provides years of protection. If you have any questions about our approach to children’s dentistry, then contact our team today.
SCHEDULE YOUR LITTLE ONE’S NEXT APPOINTMENT WITH DELIGHTFUL DENTAL CARE IN KANSAS CITY
We want to help your kids start a new school year with their best possible smile! Learn more about children’s dentistry and schedule an appointment with our team at Delightful Dental Care in Kansas City, MO at (816)942-7669!