True or false: Children’s teeth aren’t that important because they fall out anyway.
False!
By age three, most children have a fully developed smile of 20 teeth. This first set of teeth is often referred to as baby teeth, milk teeth, or primary teeth. These teeth provide your little one with the ability to chew for the first time and speak properly!
Just like every other part of your baby’s health, their oral health is extremely important. When a primary tooth falls out too early, the permanent teeth may end up being crooked or crowded. This is why preventive dentistry for kids is so important.
In addition to properly cleaning your child’s teeth at home and teaching him or her good oral hygiene practices, family dentists offer several preventive treatments to ensure optimal oral health for your child.
Here are three of the most effective preventive dentistry treatments for kids:
1. Tooth Sealants
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 42 percent of children from ages 2 through 11 have had cavities in their baby teeth. Children with cavities often experience severe dental pain and are at a much higher risk of tooth loss.
Tooth sealants are one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities. These translucent seals are spread onto the top surfaces of the molars where cavities are most common. The deep ridges keep the plastic-like sealants in place so they can protect the tooth from disease-causing bacteria, plaque, and tartar.
According to the CDC, dental sealants prevent 80 percent of cavities for up to two years and 50 percent for up to four years. We’d say they are certainly worth it! Additionally, most insurance companies cover most of the cost of dental sealants for kids.
2. Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral used in toothpastes to prevent, slow down, and stop dental decay. fluoride treatments involve brushing a fluoride varnish on the child’s teeth to strengthen the dental enamel and protect against cavities. This treatment is often recommended 2-4 times per year.
For children, it’s important that parents pay attention to how much fluoride their child is exposed to. In addition to being used in toothpaste, it is also in most city water systems. It is completely safe to drink and helps prevent cavities, but too much fluoride can cause fluorosis—white streaks on the teeth. Though fluorosis is only cosmetic, no child should have to deal with it for the rest of his or her life!
Talk to your dentist about the appropriate amount of fluoride your child should be exposed to.
3. Dental Cleanings
Children and their parents should attend regular dental cleanings at least every six months. Even people who brush twice a day and floss, miss parts of their mouth, leaving their teeth and gums vulnerable to disease-causing bacteria.
During these appointments, the dentist carefully and meticulously removes plaque and tartar from between the teeth and along the gum lines—stopping cavities and gum disease in their tracks.
Preventive Dentistry for Kids in Lombard, IL
At Dental Care of Lombard, Dr. Julie Glud is passionate about helping children achieve oral health now so they can experience it throughout their lifetime.
With three little ones of her own, Dr. Glud is an expert in working with children and teaching them to care for their own mouths. Call us today at (630) 629-5700 to schedule an appointment with our family-friendly dental team.
