Kids need regular dental care to avoid issues like tooth decay and infection, and ensure they enjoy bright smiles. Our team offers preventive care designed to help protect teeth from poor oral health. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about how we treat little smiles and help kids of all ages enjoy good oral health.
Checkups and Cleanings
Children of all ages benefit from regular six-month visits to our office. A child’s first visit, a simple knee-to-knee lap exam, will happen around age one once the first baby tooth erupts. At age two, kids need routine visits every few months. The checkup enables our team to watch for signs of trouble and address them quickly, treating issues like tooth decay before smile stability is threatened. We also make sure baby teeth arrive and fall out as they should, and that permanent teeth can erupt without complication. In the same visit, we will clean the teeth too. Removing all plaque and tartar can help lower the risk of teeth stains, cavities, gingivitis, and more. These visits also help instill good oral health habits, and reduce the risk of dental anxiety.
Fillings
If we do discover a cavity, we don’t need to rely on metal restorations. Instead, we have composite resin fillings that are safe for all ages. These restorations can treat tooth decay to stop discomfort and prevent the onset of an infection. We can also shade them to blend with the tooth and offer a lifelike treatment option for little smiles.
Fluoride Gel
During each checkup visit, our team will apply fluoride to the teeth in a topical gel form. This helps strengthen the outer enamel to prevent tooth decay and keep smiles strong. The application only takes a few seconds, and kids just need to avoid eating or dunking for about 30 minutes. The gel then helps strengthen the outer enamel, protecting the smile.
Dental Sealants
Even if kids brush and floss, they may have trouble reaching the rear teeth, which leaves them vulnerable to tooth decay. To help safeguard little smiles, we can apply a special acrylic coating to the molars. Dental sealants keep food and drink particles from being trapped on or between these teeth, which lowers the risk of tooth decay. The sealants can stay in place for up to ten years in some cases, and wear away gradually with time. If you have any questions, then contact our team today.
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Children’s Dentistry
We would like to help your kids maintain their best possible smile. If you would like to find out more about our approach to cosmetic dentistry, please contact Dental Impressions at (515) 207-6182 to schedule a visit.
