You want to keep your kids healthy and safe from harm. Sometimes, that means making sure they always buckle their seat belt, but it can also mean encouraging them to always eat their vegetables at the dinner table. When it comes to protecting your child’s smile, your Ankeny, IA dentist can be an important ally. At pediatric dental checkups, your dentist can encourage your kids to maintain good habits, and even provide guidance on quality brushing and flossing. At the appropriate times, we can also provide extra support against cavities. One form of support is the application of dental sealants to their teeth. By doing this, we can create an extra barrier that can keep food debris and bacteria from gathering on their enamel.
Are Kids More Vulnerable To Tooth Decay?
Like adults, kids enjoy natural support against cavities thanks to the strength of their enamel. Generally, they enjoy the same natural resistance to decay as adults, but kids can be more vulnerable to problems simply because they are still learning how to care for their teeth. They can fail to do a good job brushing and flossing because they are unaware of how, or why these habits are so important. They can also have a harder time turning down candy and other desserts, which means their teeth can face more harm over time.
Using Sealants And Fluoride Treatments To Protect Your Child’s Smile
Dental sealants and fluoride treatments are two treatments that can help your child become more resistant to decay. Sealants keep bacteria and food debris from building up on teeth, so that kids are less likely to have a cavity form. Even as sealants wear away over time, they can provide important support between the cusps of their molars, areas that can be more vulnerable to problems. Fluoride treatments are used at recommended times to help a child’s enamel become more resistant to decay. Fluoride is a mineral that encourages our teeth to naturally recover from decay before a cavity forms.
Additional Benefits To Pediatric Dental Care
While your guidance and instructions on brushing and flossing certainly help, your dentist can provide important lessons on good oral hygiene that make kids less likely to have problems that require restorative dental work. The lessons provided help them learn how to properly brush and floss while also helping them see that these behaviors are important. Learning good habits at an early age give kids a great chance of keeping their teeth healthy, and it can encourage them to continue to care for their teeth as they grow up. Of course, like dental exams for adults, dental exams for kids have value because they provide protection against tartar buildup, cavities, and gum disease.
Your Ankeny, IA Dentist Can Protect Your Child’s Smile
At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, we are proud to offer important smile protection and guidance on oral care to our youngest patients! To learn more, contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.
