Children can be very susceptible to tooth decay, which is why we offer unique preventive treatments to help protect their smiles from cavities. Now is a great time for treatment, as they can begin the new school year with healthier smiles. In today’s blog, your Charles City, IA, dentist talks about our treatment and preventive procedures for childhood cavities.
The Causes of Tooth Decay
Cavities form when bacteria reach the dentin, the inner tissue that makes up most of your tooth structure. You see, the outer enamel typically protects the teeth. But plaque buildup brought on by high levels of sugar and starch in your diet, combined with improper brushing and flossing habits, can lead to layers that weaken and erode the enamel. The dentin is then exposed and a cavity forms. Without treatment, the decay will grow and spread until the tooth is infected or even lost prematurely, which in turn leads to a higher risk of misalignment. Our team wants to help protect your kids from tooth decay, and can do so with preventive treatment options.
Fluoride Treatment
We urge kids two and older to have a checkup and cleaning every six months, so we can keep a close eye on the smile and watch for signs of trouble. We also conduct a cleaning to remove all plaque and tartar buildup to protect the enamel. In the same visit, we can apply a topical fluoride gel to the teeth. The gel helps strengthen the weakened portions of the enamel to prevent cavities from forming. The application only takes seconds, and kids just need to avoid food and drink for about 30 minutes. We also recommend fluoride in their toothpaste, with kids three and younger using a rice sized amount, and everyone else using a pea sized blot.
Dental Sealants
Even if kids brush and floss daily, they often have trouble reaching the rear molars. Which means food and drink particles can remain trapped between them. Without removal, this could lead to cavities and even gingivitis. But with dental sealants, we coat the rear teeth in a plastic layer that keeps food and drink particles from clinging to the teeth or being stuck between them. The application takes seconds and again, kids just need to avoid eating or drinking for about 30 minutes. But the sealants will stay in place for up to ten years in some cases, wearing away gradually with time! If you have any questions, then contact our team today.
Schedule Your Child’s Next Checkup With Central Park Dentistry In Charles City, IA
Our team wants to help your little ones about painful cavities and dental infections. To arrange for your family’s next checkup and cleaning visit, give us a call at Central Park Dentistry in Charles City, IA at (641)228-1115!
