You’re not the only one with a smile susceptible to tooth decay. Children of all ages can develop cavities too, from babies to older kids and teens. In order to help safeguard young smiles against the onset of painful cavities, we offer families in Charles City, IA, preventive treatments. When should a child receive a fluoride treatment or dental sealant?
How Does a Cavity Form?
Your child’s teeth, and ours as well, are coated in a thin layer of enamel. A very strong material, this layer protects the teeth from harmful bacteria. However, should the enamel become compromised, then bacteria can reach the dentin below and cause a cavity to form. The enamel may grow weak as a result of poor oral hygiene, which causes plaque buildup to form and enamel to erode. Damage to the teeth, such as cracks or chips, could also lead to the onset of tooth decay.
Dental Sealants and Fluoride Treatments
We do have two preventive treatment options to help children with high risk factors for decay. The first is a fluoride treatment, which involves coating the teeth in a special varnish. The varnish application helps strengthen the outer layers of tooth enamel, protecting the teeth from enamel erosion and tooth decay. The second is a dental sealant. With a sealant, we place a protective plastic coating over the rear the teeth. The coating prevents food from becoming trapped between the hard-to-reach teeth, which significantly reduces the risk of cavities forming. The layer will wear away naturally with time, and if needed we can reapply in future visits. These options, along with routine dental cleaning to remove plaque, can go a long way toward keeping little smiles free of tooth decay.
Preventing Cavities in Little Smiles
You should see us every six months, so we can watch for cavities and offer treatment before they form or threaten a tooth. In addition, you need to help your children care for their smiles from home, which means taking time to brush teeth twice daily and floss every night before bed. You may need to do this for your infant and toddler-aged children, and monitor your older kids as they clean their own teeth. These steps, along with a diet that cuts back on sugary foods and drinks, can help prevent childhood cavities! If you have any questions or concerns, remember to contact our team today.
Central Park Dentistry Offers Children’s Dentistry
At Central Park Dentistry, our team helps kids of all ages enjoy healthy smiles. To learn more about our approach to children’s dental care, then schedule a consultation with Dr. Hansen by calling our dental office in Charles City, IA at (641) 228-1115. We proudly welcome patients from Osage, New Hampton, Greene, and all surrounding communities.
