Checkups and Cleanings
Dental checkups and cleanings for children are incredibly important for laying the foundation of good oral health and establishing the value of receiving routine treatment in an effort to detect potential problems as early as possible.
During checkups, our dentists will look for signs of tooth decay, enamel wear and gum disease. We will also use diagnostics to evaluate the health of tissues beneath the surface – specifically the roots of teeth and the jawbones. Diagnostic imaging can help reveal congenital and developmental abnormalities that might require the attention of a specialist such as an oral surgeon or orthodontist. Like adults, children can develop common oral health conditions including dental caries and inflamed or irritated gums (periodontal disease). Many times, these conditions develop due to diet and poor oral hygiene practices.
Dental cleanings are important for keeping teeth and gums clean – especially since young patients have difficulty reaching their back teeth when brushing and flossing. Cleanings are a gentle and non-invasive method for preserving gum health and cleaning around teeth so that tartar and plaque accumulation are kept in control. Even if children clean their teeth thoroughly, they will still develop tartar. A form of calcified plaque, tartar cannot be removed by flossing or brushing. Instead, it must be removed with professional-grade dental instruments.
Children should receive two cleanings and checkups per year.
Oral Health Education
Visits to our practice for checkups and cleanings are a great time for children to learn more about oral health. Our staff is trained to explain oral hygiene and how oral diseases develop in memorable and easy to understand ways so that children can grasp the effect their actions have on their teeth and gums. Receiving proper patient education as a child can help establish good habits that lead to a lifetime of vibrant oral health. If necessary, we can use graphs and other types of illustrations to help children understand dental anatomy.
Establishing Familiarity with Dental Settings
Dental fear and phobias affect millions of people in the United States. Many times, these phobias are triggered by unpleasant sounds or experiences in dental settings. Sometimes, dental phobias are so pronounced, people will completely avoid receiving necessary dental care because their anxieties are so debilitating. Fortunately, dental phobias can be prevented by establishing familiarity with dental settings at a young age. When parents bring their children to Dental Depot on a regular basis, our team can develop a rapport with our younger guests. This will help promote positive experiences for children by familiarizing them with the sights, sensations and sounds of dental treatment.
Preventive Treatments
Preventing disease is an important aspect of pediatric dentistry. While prevention begins with practicing proper oral hygiene, eating healthy foods, and visiting our office frequently, there are some treatments we can administer that help strengthen teeth to prevent dental injuries and tooth decay. Two common preventive treatments include the administration of fluoride and the application of dental sealants.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. Tooth enamel is made of minerals and when exposed to strong acid, its mineral content (and strength) can be stripped away. Fluoride is scientifically proven to strengthen teeth by attracting minerals to the surface of tooth enamel, which will ultimately help replenish lost mineral content. Strong, healthy tooth enamel is essential for protecting teeth against cavity causing bacteria. Fluoride treatments involve simply applying a fluoridated varnish or gel to the teeth.
Dental sealants are another method for protecting teeth from decay. Using a disease-resistant, plastic compound, sealants are applied over the pits and grooves of teeth and hardened with a curing light. Once hardened, the biting surfaces of teeth are more protected against damage and harmful bacteria.
Receiving fluoride treatments and/or dental sealants are non-invasive and cost-effective. If decay does form, our dentists can treat dental caries with restorations like fillings or crowns. During all types of treatment, we utilize anesthetics when necessary to promote comfort and relaxation.
All Dental Depot locations are accepting new patients. To learn more about our pediatric services, call a Dental Depot nearest you to reserve an appointment for your child.
