We don’t just offer care for grownups. We provide children’s dentistry for kids of all ages, from babies and toddlers to teens, to help fight common issues like tooth decay. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist talks about how we help kids enjoy good oral health with children’s dentistry.
Starting with a Child’s Checkup and Cleaning
Children need to have a checkup and cleaning every six months, just like you do! With a checkup, our team will take a close look at your child’s smile with digital x-rays and intraoral cameras, so we can diagnose any concerns in the early stages, often before your little one experiences discomfort or risks premature tooth loss. We watch for issues like tooth decay, gingivitis, and developing misalignment. We then create a treatment plan to address these issues and improve your child’s smile!
In the same visit, we also conduct a dental cleaning to remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth, which brushing and flossing alone cannot do. The cleaning process helps lower the risk of tooth decay and gingivitis, and also limits bad breath and teeth stains.
Fighting Cavities with Fluoride and Dental Sealants
We also have preventive treatments designed to help fight cavities and keep the smile strong. For example, during your child’s checkup appointment, our team will apply fluoride to the teeth. This naturally occurring mineral has been shown to strengthen the outer enamel and lower the risk of tooth decay. The application only takes a few seconds! Kids also have trouble reaching the rear teeth when they brush and floss, which allows food and drink particles to stay between the teeth, increasing the risk of cavities. But with dental sealants, our team can apply a thin acrylic layer to the rear teeth. This covers them and prevents food and drink particles from being stuck on or between the rear teeth, fighting the risk of tooth decay. The sealants take seconds to apply and can stay in place for ten years in some cases!
Keeping Smiles Strong at Home
We also want to make sure your kids are practicing good oral hygiene habits at home in between these visits! Kids of all ages need to brush for two minutes when they wake up and then again before going to bed. Each session should take about two minutes, and make use of a fluoride toothpaste to keep enamel strong. Kids also need to floss every evening too to remove what a toothbrush cannot reach!
Schedule An Appointment for Your Child’s Visit
Our team wants to help your kids enjoy better oral health all year round. To schedule an appointment with the team at Delightful Dental Care in Kansas City, MO, call our office today at 816-942-7669.