Does Your Child Need Preventive Dentistry?

Children need routine care to avoid tooth decay and other health concerns, which could impact everything from your child’s dental alignment to overall oral health. In order to help children maintain optimal oral health in Dallas, TX, we may recommend a preventive approach. When does a child need preventive dental procedures and what care do we offer little smiles?

Good Homecare

While the care we discuss is vital for keeping smiles healthy and strong, kids still need to care for their smiles at home. You should assist your little one, or monitor your older children, to ensure proper brushing twice a day, once when waking and again before bed. Each session needs to take no less than two minutes, using an age-appropriate toothbrush. Fluoride toothpaste is necessary for kids three and up. Kids also need to floss every night before going to bed, which removes the bits of food the toothbrush’s bristles may not. These routine actions help reduce plaque buildup and protect smiles from cavities and gingivitis.

Checkups, Cleanings, and Yes, Fillings!

After the first visit at around age, kids two and up will benefit from routine six-month visits. During these visits, we will examine their smile to ensure teeth are erupting properly, and to watch for the signs of trouble, such as developing decay or misalignment. We will also clean the teeth, which removes plaque and improves oral health, brightens teeth, and freshens breath. If a cavity does form in a baby tooth, we suggest a filling. Remember, these teeth will fall out, but that could take months or even years after the cavity forms. Treating the tooth prevents painful infections and premature tooth loss.

Fluoride Treatments and Dental Sealants

We also have preventive treatments to help protect smiles from tooth decay. For example, our fluoride treatments coat the teeth in a special varnish to strengthen the outer layer of tooth enamel. Dental sealants involve coating the back teeth in a special plastic coating, which prevents food from becoming stuck between the rear molars. Since these teeth are often the most difficult for kids to reach when brushing and flossing, dental sealants are a great way to avoid decay. If you have any questions about children’s dentistry, or about our preventive solutions, then contact our team today.

Gentle Smiles Family Dentistry Offers Children’s Dental Care

At Gentle Smiles Family Dentistry, we have treatment options to help your child enjoy better oral health. Contact us today to discuss our children’s dental care by calling 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE). We strive to offer our patients of all ages compassionate, effective, and individualized care. At Gentle Smiles, we are proud to serve families from Dallas, TX, and the surrounding communities, including Mesquite, Balch Springs, Garland, and Seagoville.