Children’s dentistry helps kids maintain good oral health and avoid issues like tooth decay. This can also help your little ones gain a better understanding of their oral health! In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist talks about how we protect little smiles with children’s dentistry.
When Kids Should See the Dentist
When do we want to see your kids for a visit? The first visit should happen around age one, after the initial baby tooth has erupted. This is a simple wellness visit, with a knee-to-knee lap exam. Starting at around age two, kids need to see us for a routine checkup and cleaning visit every six months. These visits allow us to make a diagnosis with precision using digital imaging, so we can identify areas of concern and provide treatment. In the same sitting, we also clean the teeth to remove harmful plaque and tartar buildup. These visits are also a chance to prevent dental anxiety and instill good oral health habits.
Dental Sealants and Fluoride Treatments
As part of our approach to children’s dentistry, our team can provide treatments that help lower the risk of tooth decay. For example, we know that children often have trouble reaching the rear teeth when they brush and floss, leaving these molars vulnerable to tooth decay. But we can coat them in a special acrylic layer known as a dental sealant. The procedure helps prevent food and drink particles from being stuck between these hard-to-reach teeth, which lowers the risk of tooth decay. The sealants can even stay in place for up to ten years!
We can also apply fluoride directly to the teeth in a varnish form during their routine exam visits. This helps strengthen the outer enamel to make cavities less likely, so your children can enjoy better oral health. Applying the fluoride only takes seconds, and your little ones just need to avoid food and drink for about a half hour as it cures!
Improving How Kids Brush and Floss
You can also assist your kids or monitor them when they brush and floss, making sure they brush for two minutes in the morning and at night. Your little ones also need to floss in the evening before they brush that second time. This is especially true during the summer, when kids can become lax in their routines and tend to snack more! If you have any questions about children’s dentistry, then contact our office today to learn more.
Schedule Your Child’s Appointment With Delightful Dental Care
We want to help your child enjoy good oral health and avoid issues like tooth decay. To find out more about children’s dentistry, call Delightful Dental Care in Kansas City, MO at (816) 942-7669.