Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease for American children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fortunately, your child’s pediatric dentist is able to help prevent cavities so your child can maintain a healthy smile.
Dentistry for children includes preventive care (like dental sealants) so your child doesn’t end up needing a filling, dental crown, or extraction. You can’t underestimate the importance of preventive dentistry. Just like adults, children need to see a dentist every 6 months for preventive care. During your child’s appointment, we’ll check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues that compromise oral health.
ORAL EXAMINATION
It’s important that you schedule a dentist appointment for your child every 6 months. During the appointment, our pediatric dentist will be able to inspect their teeth and gums for the beginning signs of baby tooth decay or gum disease.
We take dental x-rays to get a better look at tooth decay that could be hiding beneath the surface. Our pediatric dentist will then assess your child’s risk for tooth decay based on tooth shape and structure.
TEETH CLEANING
Plaque is an invisible film of bacteria that sticks to teeth and gums, eroding enamel over time. While brushing and flossing your child’s teeth is the best way to remove dental plaque, only a dental professional will be able to remove plaque that’s hardened into tartar. A professional teeth cleaning in our office removes plaque hidden between teeth and along the gum line.
DENTAL SEALANTS
If our pediatric dentist discovers deep grooves or pits on the chewing surface of your child’s molars (back teeth), we may recommend dental sealants. Like the name suggests, a tooth sealant seals the surface of your child’s tooth so plaque can’t get stuck in small crevices and cause cavities.
GUIDANCE ON DIET
The average American diet contains more sugar than it did 50 years ago, which is why it is important children know what foods and beverages should be limited or avoided altogether. For example, most people already know that they should drink pop and other sugary drinks in moderation.
Even beverages that seem healthy (like sports drinks or fruit juices) can contain a lot of sugar. A dentist for kids will be able to explain to your child how diet affects baby teeth in a way they’ll understand.
GUIDANCE ON HEALTHY HABITS
A lot of can be prevented by forming healthy oral hygiene habits. For example, our pediatric dentists recommend against putting your child to bed with a bottle. Otherwise, the sugary drink may decay their front upper teeth over time. During your appointment, one of our pediatric dentists can discuss ways to protect your child’s oral health so they can thrive.
We, at Century Smile, want to help your child maintain a healthy smile. To request an appointment for your child, call us a call today 310-836-6161 or
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