We want to help children in our community enjoy good oral health and avoid issues like tooth decay and dental infection. To make this possible, our team will provide treatments designed to help strengthen their smiles. In today’s blog, your Syosset, NY, dentist talks about treatments like fluoride and dental sealants, which can help protect little smiles from the onset of cavities!
The Risks for Your Child’s Smile
Kids have a high risk for tooth decay for a number of reasons. One, they are big fans of foods and drinks high in sugar and starch, which can leave behind particles for harmful bacteria to consume, creating the plaque buildup that weakens outer enamel. They also sometimes have trouble brushing and flossing daily, and sometimes parents lay them down for naps or sleep with bottles of milk or juice, which can also erode outer enamel to make cavities possible. Some people assume that if a cavity forms in a baby tooth, then treatment isn’t necessary. But the fact is, these teeth could fall out months or even years later, so untreated cavities mean the risk of infection, premature tooth loss, and misalignment.
Fluoride Treatments
When you bring your child in for a checkup and cleaning visit, then our team will apply a fluoride varnish to the outer teeth as part of the visit. Fluoride has been shown to strengthen the outer enamel, even the weakened portions, to reduce the risk of cavities forming in little smiles. The application only takes a few seconds and kids just need to avoid food and drink for about 30 minutes as the materials cure. We also recommend a fluoride toothpaste when they brush, with a rice sized amount for kids three and younger, and a pea sized amount for everyone over the age of three.
Dental Sealants
Children often have a hard time reaching the rear teeth when they brush and floss, so food and drink particles can remain trapped there to increase the risk of tooth decay. However, with dental sealants we apply an acrylic layer to these molars that prevents food and drink particles from clinging to the teeth or being stuck between them. The application takes only a few seconds to complete and as with fluoride, kids just need to avoid food and drink for about a half hour. The sealants can stay in place for years to come, as many as ten in some cases!
Dental Cleanings
We also urge parents to bring their kids in for a cleaning every six months, so we can remove harmful buildup.
Do You Have Questions About Children’s Dentistry?
Our team wants to help your kids maintain strong and healthy smiles for years to come. To learn more about our treatments for little smiles, then contact our Syosset, NY dental office today at 516-433-2211.
