The main concern of pediatric dentistry is the health of your child’s teeth and gums. A child’s oral health is so important that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents schedule a child’s first dental visit no later than the first birthday. During an appointment, the dentist can provide insight on how to care for your child’s teeth in order to prevent gum disease or cavities. Early prevention will save your child from unnecessary discomfort and oral health problems.
There are several ways pediatric dentistry can address cavities, though one of the leading ways is through cavity prevention. By scheduling routine appointments, even when a problem is not obvious or suspected, the dentist can check on the healthy development of the teeth and take action as needed against cavities.
Everything that goes into your child’s mouth can impact oral health. A deficiency in the proper nutrients the teeth, gums, and soft tissue need to stay healthy will increase the risk of cavity development. Sugar-laden snacks and drinks will also increase this risk because of the excess sugar and food particles that stay in the mouth. A dentist can give you guidelines on what to do about your child’s diet.
For example, things like potato chips, lollipops, chocolates, and hard candy spend more time in the mouth than other snacks. As this happens, the bacteria found in the mouth release excessive amounts of corrosive acids that latch onto and attack the protective enamel around the teeth. By changing out this diet for low-fat yogurts, cheese, or vegetables, you provide a healthier option. Sports drinks have a similar corrosive effect on the teeth because the high amount of sugar in the drink helps dissolve tooth enamel more quickly.
Leading dietary suggesting including making water the drink of choice, as well as avoiding candy, gum, and food high in sugar. Brushing the teeth quickly after eating these products can help reduce the development of cavities.
Your child’s teeth can be protected from cavities by the application of a sealant. A dentist can paint this thin plastic coating all along the chewing surfaces of the teeth to protect them from decay. The molars and premolars are often chosen for this preventative treatment. Sealants have been known to last for years, but they can also fall off. A visit to the dentist can check for the sealants or apply new ones as necessary.
A fluoride treatment is another way a dentist can protect your child’s teeth from decay. Fluoride is a natural mineral that can help strengthen the tooth enamel and guard against cavity development. It does not remove all risk of a cavity, but it can reduce decay by up to 70%. Fluoride treatments can be administered during each dental visit within just a few minutes. Fluoride is commonly applied through a mouthwash, swab, tray, or brush.
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Make sure your child has good oral health. Pediatric dentistry visits should be scheduled regularly to help prevent cavities.
Request an appointment or call Jayne F. Scherrman JS Pediatric Dentistry at 573-271-3062 for an appointment in our Cape Girardeau office.
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