The Importance of Children’s Preventative Dentistry
Why Kids Need Regular Dental Checkups
As a parent, you want the best for your children. There is an innate need to protect them, to care for them, to keep them healthy. Introducing your child to dentistry at an early age can offer a lifetime of healthy habits and benefits. At Bowmanville Dental, we offer a wide range of family services, including children’s preventative dentistry. Today, our team will discuss the importance of preventative care and explore some of the most common treatments available at our practice.
Baby Teeth Need Dental Treatment Too!
A common misconception is that baby teeth are not all that important. On the contrary, primary teeth are just as essential as permanent adult teeth. After all, baby teeth not only help your child chew and obtain proper nutrition, they also aid in appropriate speech patterns and hold space until the permanent teeth erupt. Caring for your child’s teeth is crucial to their oral health and overall well being. In fact, the Canadian Dental Association recommends that you bring your child to the dentist within six months of the eruption of his or her first tooth.
What Does Preventative Care Do?
When it comes to children’s dentistry, there is one primary goal: to keep your child’s mouth free from decay, plaque buildup, and infection. Poor oral health has many unfortunate consequences, which can affect not only your child’s oral health but his or her whole body as well. Preventative dentistry helps keep harmful bacteria at bay, offering comprehensive protection for your child.
Children’s Preventative Treatments
Like our adult patients, children have their own unique set of needs. Therefore, treatment is fully personalized to meet those needs and promote long-lasting oral health. At Bowmanville Dental, we offer a variety of children’s preventative treatments, which we will explore in the sections below.
Dental Examinations and Cleanings
Children require routine dental cleanings, just like adults. During these visits, our hygienist will gently remove plaque, tartar, food deposits, and other debris from the surfaces of the teeth. He or she will also teach your child how to brush and floss properly at home. Most children can maintain adequate oral health with biannual cleanings. However, those who are especially prone to decay or other dental problems may benefit from more frequent visits.
During these appointments, your doctor will also assess the health of your child’s teeth, gums, oral soft tissues, and jaw joints to ensure that everything is working properly. This will also help your dentist detect any potential issues early on.
Fluoride Treatments
Oral bacteria feed on the plaque deposits in the mouth. This process creates an acidic environment in which the tooth enamel begins to erode. This process, known as demineralization, can make the teeth more susceptible to cavities and other forms of damage. Topical fluoride treatments remineralize the enamel, making the teeth strong and more resilient.
Dental Sealants
The chewing surfaces of the back teeth have deep grooves and fissures. While helpful for breaking down food for digestion, these areas can harbor bacteria and lead to cavities. Dental sealants are protective coverings for the teeth, which shield them from plaque, food, and bacteria. Sealants can be applied in about five minutes and can offer protection for five to 10 years.
Athletic Mouth Guards
Patients of all ages who play contact sports should invest in an athletic mouth guard. We can fabricate a custom guard to fit comfortably over the teeth and protect your child’s smile while he or she is on the court or field.
Contact Our Bowmanville Dental Office Today
To learn more about children’s dentistry at our practice, schedule a consultation with one of our doctors. Our team has been voted the best dental office in Clarington several years. We will take the time to thoroughly examine your child and provide you with helpful information to keep their teeth healthy for life. We offer all manner of children’s dentistry, and use subtle methods to keep children calm and focused during their dental visits. For those with additional needs, we offer dental sedation and sleep dentistry for children. No referral is required. For all your family dental care, come and visit Bowmanville Dental today.