Like adults, children are susceptible to cavities. In fact, the Center for Disease Control has noted a rising trend in childhood tooth decay. Did you know that tooth decay is considered an infectious disease? Untreated cavities cause many health problems for children. Not only do cavities cause toothaches, they may also impede your child’s ability to chew food or speak properly. To help prevent childhood tooth decay, Dr. Gilly Calcagno offers preventive care such as fluoride supplements and dental sealants.
Fluoride Supplements for Children
Tooth enamel protects teeth from bacteria that cause cavities. However, tooth enamel can be damaged by strong acid. When tooth enamel is damaged, the dentin layer of teeth is vulnerable to decay. When we detect signs of enamel loss in children, we often administer fluoride supplements. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is approved by the FDA and ADA for use in preventive dentistry. When topical fluoride is applied to the teeth it remineralizes damaged tooth enamel. We also encourage that our patients brush their teeth with ADA approved fluoridated toothpaste.
Dental Sealants
The biting surfaces of molars have deep grooves and fissures and plaque and debris tend to collect in the pits of molars. Children also have cleaning molars because they are located at the back of the mouth. Dental Sealants alleviate these problems by filling in the grooves on the chewing surfaces of molars. Sealants are applied by painting a liquid plastic material on the back teeth. The liquid plastic is then hardened by a special light. The process of bonding sealants to the teeth is comfortable and non-invasive.
Calcagno Cosmetic & Family Dentistry welcomes patients of all ages, including children. To schedule an appointment for your child, contact our Rochester dentist office at (507) 281-3659. We serve patients from Red Wing, St. Charles, Farmington, Hastings, and Rochester.
