01 Apr Helping Protect Kids From Tooth Decay
When a child develops a cavity, this can cause pain and also lead to infection and other serious complications. Which is why we want to offer care that not only treats cavities as they arise, but can help prevent them from forming in the first place. With our team of prosthodontic experts in Fulton, MO, we want to help stop cavities with fluoride and dental sealants.
The Factors Behind Cavities
Each of our teeth are coated in enamel, a very strong preventive material that prevents harmful oral bacteria from reaching the inner dentin and pulp, which could cause cavities or infection to form. But poor oral hygiene habits, like improper brushing and flossing, or infrequent visits or cleanings, combined with a diet high in sugar and starch could lead to plaque and tartar buildup that weakens and erodes the enamel. Your child becomes vulnerable to cavities, and the decay could cause painful symptoms like toothaches. Over time, this could cause infection or even the premature loss of baby teeth, leading to greater oral health complications down the road. When your little one has an aching tooth, let us know so we can treat the decay with a filling. But better yet, talk to our team now about preventive treatments to lower the risk of tooth decay completely!
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens the outer enamel to make it less likely for cavities to form. This is why the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a fluoride toothpaste for all ages. We can apply this in a varnish form to the teeth during your child’s routine six-month checkup and cleaning visit. The application only takes a few seconds and cures quickly, kids just need to avoid food and drink for about 30 minutes. This can be done every six months and safeguard little smiles.
Placing Dental Sealants
Our team can also apply a preventive treatment that can safeguard teeth for up to ten years. Dental sealants are a thin layer of acrylic that we coat the rear teeth with. Dental sealants cover the hard-to-reach molars, which kids often have difficulty brushing and flossing. The layers take only a few minutes to apply and cure, and they stay in place for up to ten years in some cases. As they wear away, they tend to cling the longest to the more vulnerable parts of the teeth, such as the cusps and between them.
If you have any questions, please reach out today!
Learn More About Cavity Prevention With Callaway Family Dental In Fulton, MO
Our team wants to help safeguard kids from painful cavities and other serious complications. To learn more about protecting smiles for kids and adults alike, give us a call at Callaway Family Dental And Implant Center in Fulton, MO at (573) 642-6904 today!