Our team is ready to ensure every member of your family enjoys good oral health, even the youngest members! With children’s dental care, we can help babies, toddlers, and even kids and teens avoid issues like tooth decay. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about children’s dentistry.
Helping Smiles with an Exam and Cleaning
All ages need to undergo a routine dental exam every six months. Starting at age two, we want to see your kids so we can take a close examination of their teeth, gums, and even the roots and interior structures with digital x-rays and intraoral cameras. We can make a diagnosis with precision and accuracy, so we can identify issues that could threaten their smiles in the earliest stages, often before kids report discomfort.
In the same visit, we also take time to clean the tooth, which removes all plaque and tartar from the smile to lower the risk of issues like bad breath, teeth stains, cavities, and even gingivitis. We then polish the teeth for a brighter appearance and to help limit the ability for plaque and tartar to develop before we see you again for treatment!
Stopping Cavities With Fluoride and Dental Sealants
We also want to help kids avoid the onset of tooth decay with preventive dental care. For example, our team can apply fluoride directly to the teeth in a varnish form during each checkup visit. Fluoride helps keep the outer enamel strong so cavities are less likely to form. Applying this only takes seconds, and they can protect the teeth for months to come.
We also have dental sealants, which coats the teeth kids have trouble reaching when they brush and floss. We apply this thin acrylic layer to the molars, and particles of sugar and starch can no longer be trapped between these teeth. Once applied, sealants can stay in place for years to come, often as long as ten! We can also re-apply in the future as needed.
Brushing and Flossing
We also take time to talk to your children about proper brushing and flossing habits. Caring for their smiles from home in between these office visits also helps limit buildup and prevent the onset of issues like tooth decay and gingivitis. Be sure everyone brushes for two minutes first thing in the morning and then again before going to bed. A fluoride toothpaste is also helpful, as is a toothbrush with soft bristles. Kids also need to floss every evening before they brush that second time, which removes what a toothbrush alone cannot reach!
Dental Impressions Helps Smiles of All Ages
Our team wants to help protect smiles with children’s dentistry. To schedule an appointment for children’s dentistry, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
