Cavities can form in little smiles of all ages, from babies and toddlers to older kids and teens. Which is why preventive treatments are such a major component of our approach to children’s dentistry. At your Fort Bliss, TX, dental office, we can provide treatments to help lower the risk of tooth decay, such as dental sealants.
Checkups and Cleanings Every Six Months
Starting at around age two, your children need to begin seeing us for a checkup and cleaning every six months. During the checkup part of the visit, our team will examine the smile with digital x-rays to identify issues like tooth decay, infection, and gingivitis in the earliest stages, so we can treat it and preserve your child’s smile. Our team will also clean the teeth, which removes plaque and tartar to limit the risk of tooth decay and protect smiles, while also offering fresher breath and brighter teeth!
Fluoride Treatments
During each checkup visit, our team can also apply fluoride to the teeth in a varnish form. The process takes only minutes and kids just need to avoid food and drink for about 30 minutes afterward. The treatment helps strengthen the outer enamel, particularly the weakened portions, to help prevent tooth decay. This is also why kids need a fluoride toothpaste too, with children ages three and younger requiring a rice-sized amount, and kids over the age of three should use a pea-sized amount. Fluoride is also found in the tap water of communities across the nation, so encourage your kids to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and protect their smiles.
Dental Sealants
We also have dental sealants to protect children from cavities. Sealants are a thin acrylic coating we add to the molars in the back of the mouth, which kids often have trouble reaching when they brush and floss. These sealants prevent food and drink particles from being stuck on or between these teeth, which then lowers the risk of cavities. The sealants can stay in place for up to ten years in some cases, wearing away gradually with time. We can re-apply as needed.
If you have any questions about our approach to children’s dentistry, or if you would like to schedule their next checkup and cleaning visit, then please reach out to our team today to learn more. Everyone deserves a healthy and beautiful smile, from children to adults.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY
Our team offers treatments to help protect little smiles from the onset of tooth decay. For more information about children’s dental care, give us a call at Fort Bliss Family Dentistry in Fort Bliss, TX at (915)895-3678! With regular visits to our office and good oral hygiene habits at home, your little ones can smile with confidence for years to come.
