Keeping Children Cavity-Free

greenville kids dental careKids need treatment to avoid cavities and other oral health issues, just like adults do. In addition to the expected treatments, like cleanings, we also have unique options meant specifically to help little smiles avoid the onset of decay. In today’s blog, your Greenville, TX, dentist talks about keeping little smiles strong and healthy.

The Causes of Tooth Decay

Cavities form when harmful oral bacteria have the chance to break down bits of food and drink left behind on and between our teeth, especially sugary and starchy particles. For kids, this could be possible with a diet in sugary foods, or if they fall asleep or take a nap with a bottle or sippy cup of juice or milk. This, combined with poor brushing and flossing habits, could mean bacteria break down particles, elevating oral acidity and coating the teeth in plaque buildup. Over time, plaque weakens outer enamel to expose the inner dint to bacteria, leading to painful cavities. Children may report tooth sensitivity and toothaches!

Cleanings

We want to see your little one every six months. A checkup means we can keep a close eye on the smile, and watch for the earliest signs of cavities. We then extract the issue before your child experiences discomfort. During the same visit, we also offer a cleaning. A dental cleaning is very helpful because it does what brushing and flossing alone cannot do: remove all plaque and tartar from the smile. As a result, the risk of tooth decay is decreased significantly!

Fluoride Treatments

During each checkup, we could also provide a unique preventive treatment to keep smiles strong. By applying fluoride varnish to your child’s teeth, we help strengthen the protective layer of tooth enamel, keeping the sensitive inner tissue safe and away from bacteria exposure. The process only takes a few minutes. You should make sure your child uses a rice-sized blot of fluoride toothpaste when brushing, and drink tap water, which contains fluoride too!

Dental Sealants

Often, children have trouble reaching the molars when brushing and flossing. Since food particles then remain trapped between these teeth, bacteria will break them down and start the process of causing cavities. However, with dental sealants we place an acrylic coating on these teeth that prevents food particles from becoming trapped between them, lowering the risk of tooth decay. The sealants then stay in place for five to ten years, and will wear away gradually with time. If you have any questions, then give our team a call!

Your Greenville, TX Dentist Offers Children’s Dentistry

At Smith Family Dentistry, we want to help kids of all ages avoid the onset of cavities. To learn more about our approach to children’s dentistry, then contact your Greenville, TX, dentist, Dr. Smith, by calling 903-455-5750.