Cavities don’t just impact smiles in adulthood, they can form in little smiles too! Without treatment, they can lead to major discomfort and infection. But your Leawood, KS, dentist can offer unique preventive treatments to help kids avoid the onset of tooth decay, such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants.
The Causes of Tooth Decay in Little Smiles
Cavities form when harmful oral bacteria make contact with the dentin, the sensitive structure that makes up most of the tooth. Usually, the outer enamel prevents this from occurring, but poor oral hygiene habits can lead to plaque buildup and weakened enamel, or injury could compromise the outer enamel. When cavities form, they grow in severity with time, eventually causing tooth sensitivity and toothaches. When your little one complains about an aching tooth, schedule an appointment right away. Better yet, if you make sure your child attends checkups and cleanings every six months, then our team can catch cavities in the early stages, often before your little one even experiences a toothache.
Fluoride Treatments
We believe in a preventive approach to dentistry, which means helping our patients avoid poor oral health issues completely if possible. For example, to lower the risk of tooth decay in little smiles, we can apply fluoride in a varnish form to the outside of the teeth. Fluoride then strengthens the outer enamel, especially the weakened portions, to make tooth decay less likely. Application takes seconds and kids just need to avoid food and drink for about 30 minutes as it cures. We also recommend a fluoride toothpaste when your child brushes at home, with kids three and younger using a rice-sized blot, and kids over the age of three using a pea-sized blot. Strong enamel means a lower risk of tooth decay and dental infection!
Dental Sealants
Kids often have trouble reaching the rear teeth when they brush and floss, which means food and drink particles can become stuck between the molars, increasing the risk of tooth decay as the enamel is worn down and eroded. But with dental sealants, our team can apply a special plastic material to the area teeth. This acrylic layer coats the teeth and prevents food and drink particles from being stuck between the teeth. The risk of tooth decay lowers significantly, and these sealants can stay in place for up ten years, wearing away gradually with time. The layers tend to cling the longest to the more vulnerable portions of the teeth too!
Do You Need to Schedule Your Child’s Next Visit?
We want to help your children continue to enjoy bright and healthy smiles for years to come. Call Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS by calling (913)681-5500 to learn more about how we help kids of all ages enjoy better oral health.
