Now that August is almost done, children will be returning to school. Whether you have a little one starting school, or if you’re a college student gearing up for the next semester, now is a great time to see the dentist. We often recommend back-to-school visits for our Dallas, TX, patients to ensure they start their classes with a healthy smile!
No matter how old you are, you should see your dentist about once every six months. Kids and adults alike benefit from these exams, in which we employ advanced technology to help gain a detailed picture of your oral health. We will look for warning signs of common concerns, such as tooth decay, dental infection, gingivitis, and gum disease. For adults, we will screen for oral cancer and look for indicators of TMJ disorder and bruxism. A child’s exam will also include an assessment of their risk for misalignment. The earlier we identify these issues, the sooner we can offer treatment! During the same visit, we will also clean the teeth. A cleaning involves the complete removal of all plaque and tartar from the teeth. The procedure is crucial for avoiding cavities and gingivitis, and also protecting your smile from gum disease. The cleaning only takes a few minutes.
For kids with a high risk of developing cavities, we may suggest fluoride treatments or dental sealants. With a fluoride treatment, we will apply a special varnish to the teeth, which remineralizes them to strengthen the protective layer of tooth enamel. The sealant is a special acrylic coating we apply to the rear teeth, which are often hard for kids to reach when they brush and floss. The coating prevents food from becoming stuck between the teeth, lowering the risk of cavities. Both options can be applied in a routine checkup visit.
We will also discuss routine homecare. Everyone needs to start their day by brushing their teeth for two minutes. Kids three and older need to begin to using a toothpaste that contains fluoride. At night, people should again brush for two minutes, but also floss up and down each side of every tooth, which removes the bits of food a toothbrush alone cannot. In addition, cutting back on the consumption of sugar foods and drinks, as well as foods high in starch, can help protect the smile from cavities as well.
We’re ready to help kids of all ages enjoy optimal oral health. To learn more about our approach to children’s dentistry, then please contact us today by calling 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE) to schedule an appointment with your Dallas, TX, dentist!
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