Just like you, kids need to see the dentist regularly to avoid the onset of issues like tooth decay. With children’s dentistry, we can offer care to help manage oral health in kids of all ages! In today’s blog, your Richfield, MN, dentist talks about how we safeguard little smiles with children’s dentistry.
Checkups and Cleanings for Kids
We like to start with a dental checkup. Kids need an exam every six months starting at around age two. During the exam, we will take a close look at the smile with advanced imaging systems, so we can identify any areas of concern and treat problems in the early stages, sometimes before discomfort even occurs. We also talk about good oral hygiene habits and help your kids better understand the importance of caring for their smiles, now and into adulthood. This helps limit dental anxiety as your little ones become accustomed to seeing the dentist! In the same sitting, we also clean the teeth to remove all harmful plaque and tartar buildup, which is essential for fighting tooth decay and gingivitis.
Fluoride Treatments
Our team can also offer treatments designed to help limit the risk of cavities. For example, we can offer fluoride treatments to strengthen the outer enamel and even fortify the weakened portions to help limit the onset of tooth decay. The application takes only seconds and can be done as part of their checkup visit. They first need to steer clear of food and drink for about a half hour. We also suggest fluoride in their toothpaste to keep enamel strong, with kids three and younger using a rice-sized amount and children three and older using a pea-sized amount.
Dental Sealants
We know that for children, especially younger ones, brushing and flossing the rear teeth is difficult. Which means that food and drink particles can become trapped between the molars, increasing the risk of tooth decay. But with dental sealants, we will apply a thin and white acrylic layer to these teeth. This cures quickly and then prevents food and drink particles from being trapped between the teeth. This lowers the risk of cavities significantly, and they can stay in place for up to ten years in some cases. As with fluoride treatments, the application only takes a few seconds and children just need to avoid food and drink for about 30 minutes.
If you have any questions about how we protect little smiles from cavities, or if you want to schedule a checkup and cleaning for your child, then contact our team today.
Schedule Your Child’s Next Appointment
Our team wants to help your little ones enjoy good oral health and bright smiles. To learn more about our approach to children’s dentistry, call Cedar West Dental in Richfield, MN, today at 612) 861-7188.
