Before you know it, your child will be heading back to school for a new year. Along with shopping for clothes and supplies, don’t forget about their smiles! In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist talks about how we boost oral health with a back-to-school dental checkup for your kids!
Your Child’s Dental Exam
The first part of their visit is the checkup portion. With digital x-rays and intraoral cameras, our team can take a close look at the teeth and identify the presence of tooth decay, as well as wear and friction that could indicate bruxism (teeth grinding). We also watch for gingivitis or issues that could increase the risk of misalignment, such as baby teeth not falling out on time or issues with the eruption of your child’s permanent teeth. If we discover concerns, we can create a treatment plan to address them. With tooth decay, for example, we could place a filling in one visit so your child starts school with a healthier smile!
In the same visit, we will also conduct a cleaning to remove all layers of harmful plaque and tartar, which helps brighten teeth, fight bad breath, and lower the risk of gingivitis and tooth decay in little smiles.
Fluoride and Dental Sealants
In the same visit, we could also discuss unique preventive treatments that are designed to help lower the overall risk of tooth decay. These could include fluoride varnish applied directly to the teeth to strengthen outer enamel and make cavities less likely. Applying this only takes seconds and kids just need to avoid food and drink for about a half hour as the material cures fully.
Since kids may have trouble reaching the molars when they brush and floss, we can coat these rear teeth in sealants, a thin acrylic layer that prevents food and drink particles from being trapped between teeth. This lowers the risk of cavities and the layers can stay in place for years to come!
Improving How Everyone Brushes and Flosses
Our team will also take time to talk to your kids about proper brushing and flossing habits so they can better care for their teeth and gums in between their six months visits. We want to also talk about healthier snack and meal options to lower their risk of cavities. If you have any questions about our approach to children’s dentistry or if you want to schedule a back-to-school visit for your child, then reach out to our team today to get started.
Schedule Your Child’s Appointment With Delightful Dental Care
Our team wants to help kids start school with better oral health and a shining smile. To find out more about children’s dentistry, call Delightful Dental Care in Kansas City, MO at (816) 942-7669.