As one of the strongest parts of the human body, teeth go through a lot of wear and tear over the years that can significantly impact their durability. What’s more, dental concerns such as teeth grinding can cause a slew of problems down the line. Fortunately, solutions such as a custom appliance can mend that. But what happens when it is concerning younger smiles? At Cedar West Family Dentistry in Richfield, MN, we recognize that little grins can experience setbacks as well, which is why we encourage the use of dental sealants and fluoride treatments in order to give them an added boost of help.
A Boost of Protection
Excellent oral health habits begin with teaching children the value of healthy teeth from a young age. While your children may be practicing routine preventive care at home, including brushing and flossing while also limiting sweets intake, sometimes circumstances occur that warrant added assistance. Like adults, children can benefit just as much, if not more, from regularly scheduled checkups and cleanings to ensure the healthy development of their grins. We recommend all members of the family attend a routine visit at least once every six months so we can maintain healthy development and prevent small dental concerns from becoming major ones if they arise.
Reinforcing Smiles
For children, one of the most beneficial treatments that can have that will give their teeth a boost of strength includes a dental sealant. When your child receives a sealant treatment, what their dentist will do is paint a thin layer of clear acrylic over the surfaces of the back molars in order to provide an added layer of strength when protecting teeth from harmful bacteria. This procedure prevents cavity development by addressing the tiny nooks and crannies of a tooth where plaque tends to nestle and accumulate.
Building up Enamel
An additional treatment to consider is the use of fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that is present in tap water as well as the toothpaste you use. It provides an added boost of strength to your grin, as it aids enamel is reinforcing any weak spots that may be present. Enamel is the naturally-occurring protective barrier that surrounds the teeth, and once it is gone, there is nothing standing in the way of harmful bacteria and infection. Fluoride acts to fill the softened or lesser areas where enamel has been worn down by harmful acids in food, beverages, and bacteria, thus reinforcing the strength of your little one’s smile.
Schedule Your Visit
Your child’s grin is our top priority at Cedar West Family Dentistry, and we are here to help ensure its strength. Contact our Richfield, MN office by calling 612-861-7188 to schedule your family’s visit today.
