In our last blog, we discussed the importance of dentist visits for kids. An at-home oral hygiene routine and consistent checkups can help keep your little one’s smile healthy, reduce the chances of cavities, and detect potential concerns early. Your Shirley, NY, pediatric dental team also offers extra measures to protect from cavities. Fluoride treatments and sealants can be used to restrengthen your enamel or protect your tooth from harmful bacteria.
How A Topical Fluoride Treatment Can Help
Fluoride is a mineral that can be found in toothpaste, drinking water, and other items we use. It can help keep our enamel strong and prevent decay. There is also the option of receiving this mineral topically through a fluoride treatment at the dentist. This may be recommended for your little one if early signs of decay are noticed during their checkup. By applying fluoride topically, decay may be reversed before a cavity is able to fully develop. This can help reduce the need for restorations, such as dental fillings, in the future. After their cleaning, the mineral will be applied topically, and your child will need to avoid eating for thirty minutes after the application.
Sealants Create A Barrier From Harmful Bacteria
Dental sealants are another helpful method of protection. Typically, these are applied to the molars once the permanent ones have erupted. This thin film prevents bacteria from turning into plaque on the grooves of these teeth. Molars may be hard for your child to thoroughly clean due to the many ridges they have and being hard to reach. This can result in cavities occurring and needing several fillings to keep their teeth safe. To prevent the need for restorations, sealants can be applied as an added amount of protection. It’s important that your little one continues to practice their oral hygiene routine after having a sealant added.
Restoring Their Teeth
Even with these extra protective steps, cavities may still form. When this happens, it’s important to have them treated as soon as possible with a dental filling. This process involves removing the decayed part of the tooth and adding a material such as composite resin to the space left. Fillings help stop the progression of decay and keep their tooth healthy. Nearly everyone will have a cavity at least once in their lifetime, so do not panic if this happens to your child. Instead, plan to have it treated as soon as possible. If a cavity is left untreated for prolonged periods, the decay can wear away the other layers of your dental structure. This may require a pulpotomy or root canal in some cases.
Talk To Our Team Today
If you have any questions about these preventive steps, or would like to schedule a checkup, call Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatrics in NY today at 631.399.1600.
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