How Preventive dentistry helps Prevent Kids Dental Problems
Healthy teeth and gums do not just happen. It takes precise oral hygiene practices to keep them healthy and free of infections. And, that is why you need preventive dental services. Our dentist’s primary focus is to keep your teeth and gums healthy using different preventive procedures.
What is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry refers to dental activities that work to prevent oral health issues. Its chief goal is to keep the teeth, gums, and mouth healthy by preventing decay and gum infections. Preventive dental care protects not only your teeth and gums but also saves you money. By taking advantage of our preventive dental procedures, you can reduce your need for some of the costly dental treatments.
When Should Preventive Dentistry Begin?
According to the American Dental Association, preventive dentistry should begin immediately after the first tooth comes out or right before your child’s first birthday. This practice should continue into adulthood to prevent the common dental problem.
How Does Preventive Dentistry Help?
Preventive dentistry offers great benefits, such as:
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- It prevents dental cavities
Cavities are one of the common dental complaints among children and adults. However, carries are more prevalent in children because of poor hygiene and other factors. Dental decay develops when bacteria attack the enamel, causing it to develop tiny holes. If the teeth are not filled or restored, the enamel continues to wear out and bacteria spreads to the inner part of the teeth. This causes decay and creates the need for other dental procedures like a root canal.
We offer several treatments that can help protect the teeth and prevent cavities, like dental sealants and fluoride treatments.
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- Dental sealants
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The Center for Disease Control recommends dental sealants to all school-going children. Sealants are a protective coating that is applied to the teeth, mostly molars, to shield them from bacterial attacks. These coatings are suitable for permanent teeth. They are durable and can last for a decade.
Sealants are reported to reduce the risk of cavities by 80 percent in the first year of application.
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- Fluoride treatment
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Fluoride treatment is recommended for all people but is most ideal for children who are at risk of decay. Our Kids’ dentist in Conway applies the fluoride varnish, gel, or foam during your routine dental checkup.
Fluoride is a natural cavity fighter and helps to strengthen the enamel. It also reverses mild dental cavities. Apart from the in-office fluoride treatments, you can find fluoride in toothpaste, mouth rinses, water, and supplements.
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- Preserves the teeth and jaw
Primary teeth are vital to your child’s oral health and they maintain the space for the adult teeth. Getting preventive dental care like checkups, cleanings, and pediatric dental crowns can help protect these teeth.
Pediatric dental crowns are applied to the primary teeth to prevent decay. This will preserve the teeth and cause the secondary teeth to come out straight and healthy.
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- Keeps the gums clean
Although daily brushing and flossing can help remove plaques, some can remain on the gum line and teeth. They begin to buildup and eventually cause gum inflammation and disease. Professional dental cleaning is one of the preventive measures that we offer. Dr. John Patangan cleans the mouth to remove buildup from the gum line to prevent gum disease.
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- Detects dental problems early
Routine dental assessment increases the chances of detecting a problem early. Remember, most dental problems like cavities and gum disease do not have symptoms in the early stages. That is why you need regular checkups, at least twice a year, to keep things in check. If the dentist detects a problem early, he can begin the treatment on time before it advances.
What Can You Do?
While our preventive dental care can help protect your teeth, you still need to do your part. Brush and floss daily, especially after food, and rinse the mouth with a mouth rinse. Eat teeth-friendly foods like calcium-rich foods to help strengthen the enamel. And, visit a pediatric dentist near you every six months for assessment and cleaning.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Kids First Dental in Conway to learn more on how to prevent tooth decay and prevention of poor oral hygiene.