How Do We Protect Children’s Smiles?

Kids need to see the dentist for regular care, just like adults do. Treatment helps avoid issues like tooth decay, infection, gingivitis, and even premature tooth loss, which could otherwise cause misalignment. In today’s blog, your Newhall, CA, dentist will look at how we help kids enjoy their healthiest smiles.

An Exam and a Dental Cleaning

The key to good oral health is to keep a close eye on the smile at regular intervals. With a checkup every six months, starting sat age two, we watch for the earliest warning signs of common oral health issues, such as cavities, gingivitis, and even developing misalignment. For kids, we also look for signs that baby teeth are not falling out as they should, or that there are issues with impacted permanent teeth. During the same visit, we will thoroughly clean the teeth by removing all plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth. Doing so reduces the risk of cavities and gingivitis, as decay and inflammation are often the result of plaque buildup.

Fluoride and Dental Sealants

During these visits, we could also discuss treatment options to help protect smiles from cavities. During every checkup, we can dry the teeth and apply a fluoride varnish to them. Fluoride helps strengthen the outer tooth enamel and lower the risk of tooth decay. We could also place dental sealants on the molars. These teeth are often difficult for kids to reach when they brush and floss, so food could become trapped between them and lead to cavities. However, a sealant is an acrylic coating placed over the rear teeth, preventing them from developing decay. The sealants can stay in place for years to come, a decade in some cases, and will wear away gradually with time.

Treatment Options

If in our exam we discover a cavity, we could place a filling made from biocompatible composite resin. They contain no metal, and look natural, blending with the smile. Treating cavities, even in baby teeth, help prevent infection and premature tooth loss, which could otherwise mean misalignment in the teeth years as the way permanent teeth erupt will be altered. If you have any questions about how we approach care for kids of all ages, or about steps for better homecare and more, then contact our team today. We would love to see your child for a visit and help your family improve overall oral health.

Do You Have Questions About Children’s Dentistry?

We want to help your kid avoid issues like tooth decay and gingivitis, which could be common in childhood without routine care. Newhall Dental Arts is ready to help your little ones continue to enjoy their best possible smile. Contact our Newhall, CA office at (661) 259-7760 to learn more about our exams and cleanings!