24/11/2023
CHILDREN'S ORAL HEALTH
WHAT TO EXPECT??
Keeping your kid’s teeth strong and healthy is as important to us as it is to you. We do our best to prevent cavities and strengthen young teeth to set the stage for lifelong healthy smiles. A big part of prevention is regular dental visits for kids.
WHAT WILL OUR TEAM DO?
REMOVE PLAQUE AND TARTAR
Bacteria love sugar just as much as your child does! Unfortunately, without proper cleaning, bacteria on the teeth can lead to childhood dental decay.
Decay develops when sugars are left on the teeth after eating or drinking. Over time, this bacteria forms a sticky film, called plaque, that attaches the tooth enamel. Since dental plaque is nearly invisible, most parents don’t know if their children are at higher risk for cavities or gum disease. Though brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash regularly helps remove plaque buildup, not all of the bacteria in your mouth can be removed with a normal toothbrush.
Only a dental professional will be able to remove tartar (hardened plaque) from your child’s smile, which is why it’s important to schedule a teeth cleaning twice a year. During your child’s teeth cleaning appointment, a dentist will be able to gently scrape away plaque hiding in between teeth and along the gum line.
POLISH AND EXAM YOUR CHILD'S TEETH:
Once the tartar and plaque have been removed from your child’s teeth, our team will gently “polish” the teeth. Tooth polishing is a painless dental procedure some patients even enjoy it). The teeth will be polished small, using a soft, rubber-tipped “brush” and flavored paste. This creates a smooth, shiny, bacteria-free tooth surface for your child.
APPLY FLUORIDE TREATMENT:
Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that helps prevent cavities in both children and adults. When applied to the teeth, fluoride can strengthen the outer surface of the teeth (enamel) and make it more resistant to processes that break it down and cause tooth decay.
Fluoride can be found naturally in water and food sources or may be topically applied in the form of toothpaste, oral rinses and professional treatments. A sufficient amount of fluoride is important for children and their developing teeth so our team will help make the proper fluoride recommendations for your child.