Just like you, children need to undergo routine dental care to enjoy healthy and long-lasting smiles. However, they often need unique treatments than adults, and may benefit from preventive treatments like dental sealants. In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI, dentist talks about what makes children’s dentistry different.
Exams and Cleanings
We want children to have their visit Happy Visit at around age one, once the first baby tooth has erupted. This is to make sure the smile is developing properly, and involves no treatment. Routine checkups and cleanings at age two and beyond help us keep a close eye on the smile. In addition to watching for issues like tooth decay, we want to make sure baby teeth fall out as they should, and that the permanent teeth erupt properly. We also want to discuss proper oral hygiene, and help your child understand his or her smile better! The cleaning portion removes all plaque and tartar, which helps fight cavities and other oral health concerns.
Fluoride and Dental Sealants
For kids, we have unique preventive treatments to help keep cavities at bay. For example, during each six month visit we will place a fluoride varnish on the teeth. The process takes only a few minutes, and the fluoride helps strengthen the outer enamel to safeguard teeth against decay. Kids often have trouble reaching the rear molars when they brush and floss, which increases the risk of cavities. However, with dental sealants, we simply place an acrylic layer on these teeth. The layer prevents food particles from adhering to the teeth or becoming caught between them. The sealants then stay in place for years to come, often up to ten years. They will wear away gradually with time.
Orthodontic Care
We could also recommend other solutions as we uncover issues with your child’s smile. For example, phase one orthodontics could help guide the growth of the smile and prevent major misalignment in the teen years. These could include teeth spacers and retainers, and limit how long your child may need braces or aligners in the teen years. We could even refer your family to a local orthodontist. If you have any questions about how we care for children’s smiles with a preventive touch, then contact our team today. We would love to help your kids maintain good oral health, and understand how to care for their teeth and gums from home.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY?
We would like to offer preventive and specialty care for kids of all ages. For more information on how we help kids enjoy a healthy and strong smile, then call the office of James Stewart, DDS in Livonia, MI, today at (734) 425-4400. You can also visit our office at 15873 Middlebelt Rd Suite 100 Livonia, MI 48151.