Cavities can develop in children’s smiles regardless of age. Baby bottle tooth decay can impact babies and toddlers and older kids are very susceptible to tooth decay as well. But with pediatric dentistry, we can offer unique preventive treatments. Our Greensboro, NC, dentist’s office can help safeguard little smiles with fluoride treatments and dental sealants.
The Causes of Childhood Cavities
Cavities form in little smiles when particles left behind by sugary foods and drinks, or items high in sugar, are consumed by harmful oral bacteria. When this occurs, oral acidity levels rise and the teeth are coated in plaque buildup, which weakens and erodes enamel to make cavities possible. Your children then develop painful toothaches and require treatment to avoid infection or even worse, premature tooth loss. In addition to the preventive treatments we’re going to discuss, be sure your children receive a cleaning every six months and cut back on sugar and starch in their diet. Make sure they brush and floss daily as well!
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride has been shown to strengthen your child’s outer enamel, ensuring their teeth can better resist the acids formed by bacteria breaking down sugars and starches. They also limit how much bacteria can accumulate on the surfaces of the teeth, and strengthen the areas that have begun to erode. Which is why we want to apply this mineral in a topical form to the teeth during each checkup visit. The process only takes a few seconds, and kids just need to avoid food and drink for about 30 minutes as it cures. With this protective layer, we limit the risk of tooth decay forming in little smiles.
Dental Sealants
Children often have difficulty reaching the molars when brushing and flossing. Which means food and drink particles can remain trapped between these rear teeth, and increase the risk of cavities forming in this portion of the smile. Which is why when your child’s permanent molars arrive, we recommend dental sealants. We apply this acrylic material to the teeth, filling in grooves, depressions, and the spaces between the teeth. The application takes a few short minutes and cures quickly. We can reapply as needed and they wear away gradually with time, but in some cases could provide up to ten years of protection for little smiles!
If you have any questions about how we prevent cavities in little smiles, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help your kids enjoy their best smiles, so scheduled an appointment soon!
Talk To Your Greensboro, NC Dentist About Pediatric Dentistry
We want to help your children avoid cavities and maintain strong and bright smiles for years to come. To learn more about helping kids enjoy optimal oral health, call our Greensboro, NC dental office at (336) 854-9270.