Children need to undergo routine dental care just as adults do, which is why we offer pediatric dentistry. With checkups and cleanings, and visits for preventive treatments like fluoride and dental sealants, we can help improve little smiles. In today’s blog, your Rochester, MN, dentist will discuss our approach to children’s dentistry.
Why Kids Need Pediatric Dentistry
Just like you, children have teeth susceptible to tooth decay. In fact, kids often have higher risks of cavities as they crave sugary sweets and may not brush and floss as thoroughly as they should. Which makes routine visits to the dentist all the more important. We want to see your children at around age one for an initial visit, in which we examine the teeth and make sure teeth are erupting properly. At around age two, regular checkups and cleanings need to happen too! These visits help your kids enjoy optimal oral health.
Starting with Checkups and Cleanings
During your child’s checkup, we will make sure your little one feels calm and comfortable, and will take time to answer their questions or concerns. We will examine the smile with digital x-rays, which have less radiation and are more comfortable than traditional systems. With images displayed on a chairside monitor, we can examine the smile with precision, identifying concerns like tooth decay in the early stages. Our team will also clean the teeth in the same sitting, a procedure that involves removing all plaque and tartar to keep little smiles bright and healthy, and lower the risk of issues like tooth decay and gingivitis. A cleaning also helps limit the risk of bad breath and teeth stains too!
Preventing Tooth Decay
In the same sitting, our team could also discuss preventive treatments to help lower the risk of cavities in between office visits. A fluoride treatment involves applying a topical gel to the teeth that strengthens the enamel to fight decay and prevent enamel erosion. With dental sealants, we apply a plastic coating to the rear teeth, which will stay in place for up to ten years in some cases, and help protect the more vulnerable parts of their smile from cavities. Both options take minutes to apply, and kids need to avoid food and drink for about 30 minutes afterward.
If you have any questions about how we protect little smiles, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help your kids enjoy their best possible smiles!
TALK TO YOUR ROCHESTER, MN DENTIST ABOUT PEDIATRIC DENTAL CARE
With routine care, we can help kids maintain good oral health. If you would like to find out more about protecting your child’s oral health, or if you wish to book an appointment at our location, call Greenview Cosmetic And Family Dentistry in Rochester, MN at (507) 281-3659.
