We know that you want to do what’s best for your child’s smile. It is as important to look after their teeth as it is their overall physical health. Childhood is the perfect time to instill great oral healthcare habits and get them comfortable with visiting the dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. One of the best ways of helping ensure they maintain great health is to practice preventative care. As the name suggests, this is the practice of preventing oral issues before they occur or require more serious treatment. Cavities are one of the most common ailments for children, and many preventative efforts are focused on stopping this form of decay. Fluoride treatment is one of them, and it is very effective. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO dentist talks about this treatment in addition to others that can help protect your child’s smile.
What Is Fluoride?
It is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in our bones and teeth. When your child is exposed to it, most commonly in water or as a dental treatment, it helps strengthen their enamel. Enamel is the outermost protective layer of our teeth, and it is one of the strongest substances our bodies produce. However, over time it can weaken, making your child’s teeth much more susceptible to decay. When fluoride is applied to their teeth, the enamel stays strong and does its job of preventing cavities. A short, fantastic article by Dr. Brittany Seymour highlights her own experiences providing fluoride treatments to children and discusses the significant benefits it has for small smiles. When you bring your kid in for their regular checkups and cleanings, we can apply fluoride to their teeth in addition to making sure that there aren’t any other harmful issues developing.
Pediatric Dentistry
In addition to fluoride, we also provide dental sealants. These are thin pieces of acrylic that are painted onto their back teeth and work as a barrier to prevent food and harmful bacteria from accumulating onto and into their teeth. Because children primarily chew with their molars, this area is particularly susceptible to bacteria that can cause cavities. Moreover, this area is more difficult for them to brush. The process of applying sealants is quite simple but provides significant results. According to the American Dental Association, sealants can cause an 80% reduction of harmful bacteria in children’s mouths.
Additionally, when you bring your child in for any of our children’s dental services, we will teach them the best brushing and flossing techniques. This ensures that their efforts at home are both efficient and effective
Schedule An Appointment To Learn More About Children’s Dentistry
If you have questions about fluoride treatments or our other pediatric dental services, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can schedule an appointment by contacting Delightful Dental Care in Kansas City, MO at 816-942-7669.