Children’s Dentistry
With regular check-ups and cleanings, we can ensure healthy and happy smiles. The American Dental Association recommends for all patients to schedule routine six-month check-up exams. At your visit, we will screen your child’s mouth for tooth decay and gum disease. Regular professional dental cleanings are essential for a healthy mouth. During your child’s dental cleaning, we will gently remove any buildup of plaque or tartar.
We may also recommend dental sealants for your child. Sealants protect against tooth decay and cavities on your child’s molars. Molars are the most susceptible to cavities and receive the least benefit from topical fluoride. Sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth and are highly effective in preventing tooth decay. Fluoride may be applied to the teeth as well. Topical fluoride is used to strengthen enamel and make teeth more resistant to tooth decay.
Without proper dental care, children are susceptible to oral decay. Healthy smiles should not stop at our dental office. Our team will educate you and your child on how to make good food choices and how to properly brush and floss at home.
Our knowledgeable team has the experience and qualifications to care for your child’s teeth, gums and mouth throughout various stages of childhood.
Flouride Treatment
We offer fluoride treatment to prevent tooth decay for our patients. According to the ADA, fluoride intake is often recommended for infants and children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years. During this time, primary and permanent teeth are developing.
Fluoride is applied to the teeth in a varnish form using a brush or in a tray. Fluoride helps by making the tooth more resistant to the build-up of decay causing plaque and sugars. It can also speed re-mineralization as well as disrupt acid erosion in teeth.
In addition to receiving fluoride treatment at our dental office, it can be applied to the teeth through fluoridated toothpastes and mouth rinses. Mouth rinses containing fluoride in lower strengths are available over-the- counter.
We strive to provide you with the highest quality care, including the use of fluoride.
Sealants
Sealants are highly effective in preventing tooth decay and cavities on your molars and premolars. These areas are the most susceptible to cavities due to the anatomized grooves.
Typically, children get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as these teeth come in. These sealants can protect the teeth through the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 14. However, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants.
The process of applying sealants is easy and fast. The application steps are as follows:
- We thoroughly clean the teeth
- The teeth are dried
- A liquid solution is put on the chewing surfaces of the teeth
- The solution is cured using a special curing light
Sealants act as a barrier and protect the enamel from plaque and acids. They may last for several years before a reapplication is needed. As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay.
Sealants are not a substitute for brushing your teeth. It is important to maintain proper oral hygiene and keep up with professional dental cleanings. Also, sealants do not protect between the teeth, so it is essential to continue to floss daily.
Mouth Guards
Athletic Mouth Guards
An athletic mouth guard is a custom-crafted oral appliance that is designed to protect your child’s mouth and teeth from injury during sports activities. The American Dental Association has found that the use of mouth guards has been found to reduce the risk of sport-related dental injuries. This applies both to contact or collision sports like boxing, wrestling, and football, and to non- contact sports such as cheerleading, gymnastics, and skating.
Our team is happy to work directly with your child to custom-craft an athletic mouth guard that will protect your child during sports activities at every age.
Mouth Guards for Grinding
Sometimes children may have bruxism, or teeth grinding, during their sleep. This is commonly seen during growth periods and is often minor and may cause little or no issue. In some cases, however, excessive grinding during sleep can lead to chipping or wearing of the teeth or even discomfort or pain in the jaw.
When this occurs, we may advise the use of a custom nightguard to protect your child’s teeth from further damage. A nightguard is a custom-made oral appliance worn over the teeth while sleeping. This prevents the teeth from grinding against one another overnight, which not only protects the teeth from immediate damage, but can also serve to help your child break the unconscious habit of bruxism and protect their teeth from this kind of damage in the future.