What Preventive Treatments Do Kids Need?

We have a number of preventive treatments to help adults maintain optimal oral health. But what about kids? Like grownups, children benefit from preventive treatments that help protect their smiles from the onset of tooth decay, gingivitis, and other oral health issues.

Checkups and Cleanings

Once that first baby tooth arrives, your little one should see the dentist for a first visit right away. Afterward, there will be routine checkup and cleaning every six months. The checkups allow the dentist to make sure teeth are erupting properly and that the smile is free of decay and other common oral health issues. The cleaning portions removes plaque, which keeps teeth free of decay and gingivitis. These routine visits also help kids learn more about good dental habits and also reduce dental anxiety later in life as they become accustomed to visiting the dentist. We want to help them learn that visiting the dentist is an enjoyable and important experience, one that helps them enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Dental Sealants

We can place dental sealants during these visits. Sealants are a special plastic coating over the back teeth, which are often hard for kids to reach when brushing and flossing. The sealants prevent food from becoming stuck between teeth, where bacteria can break down the food particles and cause cavities to form. They will eventually wear away naturally with time and if necessary, we can reapply further down the road. We can also offer tips on proper brushing and flossing to help reduce the need for dental sealants as well.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride helps strengthen the outer enamel, shoring up your child’s natural defenses against the onset of cavities. We can apply fluoride in a varnish, the entire procedure only taking a few minutes. The varnish helps your little one remain cavity-free. If you have any questions about our preventive treatments for kids, or if you feel like it’s time for a checkup and cleaning, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Children’s Dentistry?

We can offer preventive treatments for patients of all ages, from kids to seniors. To learn more, schedule an appointment, call Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).