Just like adults, your kids need to undergo routine care to avoid the onset of cavities, gingivitis, and other serious oral health issues. In today’s blog, we’re looking at the factors behind these issues, as well as the preventive treatments we offer for kids in Auburn Hills, MI.
Routine Visits and Homecare
Children need to care for their teeth at home. For babies, you should help clean their teeth before bed with a piece of cloth or a small brush that fits over your finger. Toddlers will need to brush every morning and at night, and also benefit from flossing. You will need to assist them! As kids grow older, they will still need to brush for two minutes in the morning and again before bed, and floss thoroughly. You should always use a toothpaste with fluoride, and for small children a floss pick may be easier to handle than floss tape.
Little ones also need to see our team every six months for a checkup and cleaning, starting at around age one. These visits allow us to watch the smile for signs of trouble, treating decay and other issues in the earliest possible stages. We can then clean the teeth to remove the plaque and tartar that could lead to cavities.
Fluoride and Dental Sealants
We also have preventive treatments for children. With fluoride treatments, we apply a special varnish to the teeth during their six-month visits. The varnish helps strengthen outer tooth enamel and prevent cavities. We also have dental sealants, a special acrylic coating we place on the rear teeth, which prevents food from becoming stuck between these teeth. Since the rear molars are hard for kids to reach when brushing and flossing, this layer helps limit the chances of tooth decay. The sealants will wear away with time, but can stay in place for years to come.
Mouthguards
For children who play sports or enjoy martial arts, we suggest obtaining a custom-made athletic mouthguard. We will create them specifically for your child, ensuring a comfortable fit that protects the teeth from chips, cracks, or becoming knocked loose (or knocked out). These provide better protection than the usual boil-and-bite options available at sporting goods stores. If you have any questions about protecting little smiles from cavities and other oral health issues, then contact our team today. We can even see your little before the new year, so you can use your 2019 benefits before they expire!
Do You Have Questions About Kids’ Dentistry?
We would like you help your little ones enjoy optimal oral health and avoid the onset of dental cavities. To learn more about children’s dentistry, schedule an appointment or initial consultation by calling Advanced Dental Concepts in Auburn Hills, MI today at (248) 852-1820.
