When Your Kid Needs a Checkup
An initial visit should happen shortly after the eruption of the first baby tooth. Once your child is three, routine checkups and cleanings should happen every six months. During the exam, we use digital technology to make a thorough diagnosis, identifying possible areas of concern and providing quality treatment. We also discuss their oral health and help them better understand their smiles. These visits have also been shown to lower dental anxiety in their teen and adult years. In the same visit, we will clean the teeth to remove all plaque and tartar and as a result, lowering the risks of issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
Preventive Treatments
We could also discuss preventive options to help avoid cavities. For example, our team could provide fluoride treatments, in which we coat the teeth in a special varnish that strengthens the protective layer of outer enamel. Application only takes a few minutes, and we offer this at every six-month visit. We could also discuss dental sealants, which are a special acrylic coating we add to the rear teeth. The coating prevents food from becoming stuck between them, lowering cavity risk as children tend to have trouble reaching these teeth when brushing and flossing. The sealants wear away with time, but could stay in place between five and ten years on average!
Solutions for Cavities
If we do discover a cavity, then we can offer treatment in only one visit with a filling. Instead of using metal, we employ a composite resin that can be tinted to blend with the tooth, and also lasts for many years to come. Treating cavities in baby teeth are necessary to prevent the premature loss of a baby tooth, which could impact the alignment of the permanent teeth. If you have any questions about our approach to children’s dentistry, or if you would like to schedule a visit for your little one, then contact our team today. Seeing us now means you can use any remaining 2020 dental insurance benefits before they expire, helping your family start a new year with a healthy new smile.
Do You Have Questions About Children’s Dentistry?
Contact Greenhaven Family Dental in Baxter, MN today by calling (218) 454-0523 to learn more about our approach to children’s dental kid, as well as our care options for teen and adult patients too. Our team is ready to help your kids gain a better understanding go their smiles and what is necessary to keep them strong and health.