Just like teens and adults, children benefit from preventive dental care. With the right routine procedures, we can help smiles of all ages avoid the onset of cavities, dental infection, and gingivitis. In today’s blog, your El Paso, TX, dentists will talk about our preventive procedures and how we safeguard little smiles!
Checkups
Every kid needs to undergo a routine dental checkup. The first exam should happen around age one, once the initial baby tooth erupts. Afterward, we suggest a visit every six months so we can continue to monitor the smile as it develops. We will watch for the warning signs of common oral health issues that harm little smiles, such as tooth decay. We will also look for the indicators of gingivitis and other gum problems, and the first signs of developing misalignment. The earlier we identify the problem the sooner we can treat it. Remember, even though baby teeth do fall out, this could happen months or possibly even years following the identification of a cavity. Ignoring the issue and waiting for the tooth to fall out means the decay becomes an infection and soon, the tooth could be prematurely lost, increasing the likelihood of misalignment.
Cleanings
We also need to clean your child’s teeth in the same visit. A cleaning is a preventive treatment option that involves removing all plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth. Plaque forms when food particles are broken down by bacteria, coating the teeth in a sticky layer. Tartar is when the plaque becomes calcified. Brushing and flossing cannot remove plaque, and the buildup has been known to wear down tooth enamel and increase the risk of cavities. After the procedure, we will polish the teeth for a brighter smile!
Other Preventive Options
A fluoride treatment involves applying a fluoride varnish to strengthen the outer layer of tooth enamel and protect little smiles from cavities. A dental sealant is a plastic coating we place over the rear teeth to prevent food from becoming stick between them, again limiting the risk of cavities. In addition to these preventive options, we also suggest kids cut back on the consumption of sugary foods and drinks, and that they brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes, once when waking up and again before bed. Children also need to floss before bed as well. If you have any questions about preventive care for children, then contact our team today. We want to help your little ones continue to enjoy healthy, bright smiles for many years to come.
SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO PROVIDES CHILDREN’S DENTAL CARE
At Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, our team would like to help children in the area maintain optimal oral health. If you have questions about preventive care for little smiles, then please call our East El Paso location on N. Zaragoza Road at 915-849-9000!