Preventive dentistry for kids just as important as any dental treatment for adults. However, many parents neglect preventive dental treatments for their kids simply because they are quite young to receive such treatments.
In reality, youngsters experience an oral health issue, just like adults. Not only that, but kids tend to develop cavities quicker than any adult because of their high sugar intake.
Why is preventive dentistry important?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 40% of children develop tooth decay by the time they reach kindergarten. Preventive dentistry ensures your child’s bright and healthy smile. It also spares your child the aches of tooth decay and saves your expenses on the lengthy and pricey treatments. The sooner you start regularizing your child’s dental visits, the better their oral health will be throughout their lives. Early dental checkups help prevent cavities and tooth decay, which can eventuate to pain and other oral health-related issues. Kids with healthy teeth speak clearly, chew properly, and smile confidently.
Types of preventive dental treatments
Once the pediatric dentist has evaluated your child’s dental health, he will recommend one of the following preventive dental treatments:
Dental sealants
Dental sealants are made up of flexible translucent material to allow dentists to spread them easily on the surface of teeth. Dental sealants sit on the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent cavity formation and spreading. Two minutes per tooth is required for these sealants to settle on the chewing surfaces firmly. After hardening, the food doesn’t come in contact with the surface of teeth, thereby reducing the chances of childhood cavities.
Fluoride treatments
Fluoride is essential for healthy teeth. Fluoride treatment increases the strength of teeth for helping in combatting acid and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay. Strong teeth are less likely to develop cavities and tooth decay.
Teeth cleanings
Your child needs to receive teeth cleaning twice a year. This cleaning is necessary for removing accumulated tartar and plaque. It is difficult to eliminate plaque through brushing and flossing at home, especially for youngsters, it is quite a challenge. But with pediatric dentist’s special, your child’s teeth can be free of plaque and tartar.
Space maintainers
Space maintainers are used to hold the empty space created by a loss of a tooth. These specialized dental tools are made of plastic and metal and are easy to adjust. It also helps in keeping the remaining teeth in their places until a new tooth sprouts to fill in the empty space.
Mouth guards
Thoroughly despised by youngsters, but recommended by dentists- mouth guard acts as a protective shield around your child’s mouth. These guards are designed specifically to fit the shape of the child’s mouth. Youngsters are advised to wear them while playing sports to shield gums and teeth from any physical contact.