We don’t just help adults with their smiles! With children’s dentistry, our team can provide care to strengthen teeth and lower the risk of painful cavities. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about our approach to helping little smiles with children’s dental care.
Why Kids Need Exams and Cleanings
We want to see your kids for checkups and cleanings, as these are just as essential for children as they are for adults! With a checkup, we can monitor their smiles with digital imaging to catch issues like tooth decay early, providing treatment before the risk of infection or even premature tooth loss, which we will discuss further on. Our team will also take this chance to talk to kids about their oral health and the importance of caring for their teeth and gums each day. These visits can help instill good habits and lower the risk of dental anxiety.
Along with the exam, we will take time to conduct a dental cleaning, using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual pick to thoroughly and comfortably remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth. Doing so helps fight teeth stains and bad breath, while also lowering the risk of tooth decay and even gingivitis!
Two Procedures to Prevent Cavities
Our team knows how high the cavity risk is for children, especially with Halloween and the holiday season around the corner. Kids will be inundated with sugar! But we have two preventive treatments to help lower the risk of tooth decay in little smiles. As part of the routine exam, we can also apply a fluoride varnish to the surfaces of the teeth to strengthen the enamel and make cavities less likely.
We also know kids have trouble reaching the molars when they brush and teeth, as these are located in the rear of the tooth. This makes the molars more vulnerable to painful cavities. But with dental sealants, we coat these teeth in acrylic, a process that only takes seconds. This means sugar and starch particles can become trapped between the teeth, so the risk of cavities drops. They can stay in place for years to come, as long as ten in some cases!
Don’t Ignore a Cavity!
Remember, you shouldn’t wait for a baby tooth to fall out on its own after a cavity forms. Treatment is crucial for avoiding infection and premature tooth loss, complications that could increase the risk of misalignment down the road. If you have any questions about children’s dentistry, then contact our team today to learn more!
Dental Impressions Provides Children’s Dentistry
We want to help kids of all ages avoid issues like tooth decay and enjoy better oral health. To schedule an appointment and help your kids enjoy better oral health, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
