When it comes to children’s dentistry, prevention is everything. Children’s teeth benefit greatly from simple and effective preventative measures like fluoride use and dental sealants, not simply because pediatric patients prefer gentle, quick treatments over extensive restoration operations. Furthermore, any guidance offered by a dentist or assistant during a preventative care treatment can go a long way toward supporting a child or adolescent in developing excellent hygiene and oral care habits.
Regular fluoride use
Fluoride has been dubbed “Nature’s cavity fighter” by the American Dental Association and has been regularly used in pediatric dentistry for decades to strengthen and protect teeth against decay. If a patient’s drinking water is deficient in fluoride, a dentist may recommend fluoride treatments as part of a preventative care plan.
Are there multiple ways to administer fluoride?
Fluoride is frequently provided in two forms: as a chewable tablet or as a topical treatment as a varnish, gel, or toothpaste. Many pediatric dentists use a little brush to apply fluoride gel or varnish to the patient’s teeth. If a child or adolescent is at high risk of developing cavities, the dentist may advise using a specially made toothpaste that contains an extra amount of fluoride regularly.
Is fluoride use safe for a child?
The short answer is “Yes,”. For more than 70 years, fluoride has been recognized as an important assistance in the prevention of cavities. It is a safe and helpful component of a preventative treatment approach for both children and adults, and it is highly recommended by the American Dental Association.
Tooth sealants where necessary
In addition to fluoride treatments, dental sealants may be effective in preventing tooth decay. It is usual for young children to have naturally occurring deep grooves or pits in the chewing surfaces of their baby teeth. These forms, however, provide enough opportunity for holes to form since food particles can easily become caught inside them. Tooth sealants are offered by pediatric dental offices as a quick, effective, and simple prophylactic measure to combat tooth decay before it begins.
How does a dental sealant work?
Dental sealants work as a barrier against tooth decay by sealing the grooves in the tooth and preventing food and germs from developing inside of it. While this prophylactic procedure is particularly successful on molars and can persist for several years, sealants on permanent teeth usually need to be changed after a certain period.
In addition to promoting regular brushing and flossing for children, a pediatric dentist can contribute to cavity prevention by offering simple, fast, and painless basic preventive procedures. Fluoride and tooth sealants are commonly used treatments for children’s teeth, and both can be highly effective in averting tooth decay. If you have any dental worries, please don’t hesitate to contact us. For further information on pediatric dentistry treatments in Katy, TX, reach out to Cinco Ranch Dentist | Smile Avenue.
