Start Early, Smile Bright: A Guide to Preventive Dentistry for Kids

Preventive dental care is a group of essential dental practices, regular dental visits, and important oral tips to follow at home. This is equally important for both adults and children. Preventive dental care paves the way for healthy and strong teeth by preventing the onset or curbing the progression of oral health problems. 

There are several preventive dental care procedures offered by the dentist in Dedham, MA, especially for children. Let’s explore them further!

What Are The Benefits of Preventive Dental Care in Toddlers?

Preventive dental care in toddlers has many benefits. These include:

Minimize The Risk Of Tooth Decay

Preventive dental care helps eliminate plaque and bacteria that are the prime culprits of oral problems like tooth decay. They secrete by-products and acids that erode the superficial layer of the tooth (enamel). 

Preserves Tooth Enamel

Enamel is the protective, hard, outermost layer of the tooth. Preventive dental care will keep the enamel healthy, and strong by protecting it from plaque, calculus, and bacteria. 

Fight Gum Disease 

Dental plaque and bacteria can create havoc in your oral cavity by producing harmful toxins that may erode the enamel and the gums. Preventive dental care services can successfully eliminate plaque using special ultrasonic instruments and keep the gums healthy. 

What are the common preventive dental care treatments in kids?

Here are some of the common and effective preventive dental treatments in toddlers performed by a pediatric dentist: 

Dental Sealants 

Dental sealants are translucent resin materials that are applied to your toddler’s teeth. The sealant flows and fills deep grooves in your kid’s teeth where bacteria normally build up. The sealants harden when applied and seal the tooth surface from plaque, bacteria, and food debris. This process can significantly reduce their risk of developing tooth decay and cavities. 

Fluoride Treatment

Fluorides are trace elements that help remineralize the enamel layer and strengthen it. The fluoride solution is coated on the occlusal surfaces of the toddler’s teeth which acts as a protective shield against decay and cavities. This keeps the baby and permanent teeth strong and healthy. 

Teeth Cleanings

Teeth cleanings are routine dental procedures performed to eliminate plaque, calculus, bacteria, and food debris. Special ultrasonic instruments are used by pediatric dentists to clean and polish the teeth and gums. These treatments can reduce your toddler’s risk of tooth decay and gum disease. 

Conclusion

Preventive dental care procedures improve oral health in toddlers and significantly enhance their quality of life. As a parent, ensure that you imbibe good oral hygiene practices in them that can last a lifetime. Visit a pediatric dentist regularly.