Protecting Smiles:

Essential Preventative Care for Your Child’s Dental Health

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Preventative Dental Care Can Save You Time and Money in the Long Run

In addition to daily brushing and flossing, 318 Kids are encouraged to get a physical exam and cleaning every six months. Our kid-friendly exams will test your child’s teeth and gums for possible concerns or tooth damage that can be diagnosed early and treated. Low-radiation x-rays are obtained for thorough examination, and they provide fun visuals that help educate your child on their teeth and how to keep them healthy.

Space Maintainers

A dental space maintainer is a custom-made device designed to keep the gap open when a primary tooth is lost prematurely, ensuring the permanent tooth can come in properly and preventing adjacent teeth from drifting.

Maintainers are often needed when children lose baby teeth due to natural causes, accidents, or cavities. There are two types: fixed maintainers, which are durable and made of metal, and removable maintainers, made from acrylic and similar to orthodontic tools. The amount of time that your child will need a space maintainer varies based on the arrival of the permanent tooth, with regular check-ups essential for monitoring progress.

space maintainers

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral essential for preventing tooth decay, strengthening the enamel.

During a fluoride treatment, Dr. Schmidt applies a topical fluoride coating directly onto your child’s teeth after their cleaning. This quick and painless process takes just a few minutes! We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year, starting at your child’s first dental visit around age one, as it remains beneficial for long-term oral health.

fluoride treatment

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth, providing an extra layer of protection against cavities.

While they aren’t a substitute for daily brushing and flossing, sealants effectively seal the grooved and pitted areas of premolars and molars that can be difficult to clean, especially for children.

dental sealants

Caries Arresting Medicaments

Caries arresting medicaments are specially designed treatments that stop early tooth decay from worsening.

Applied to cavities in their initial stages, these medicaments offer a gentle, non-invasive alternative to traditional fillings by using ingredients that help strengthen and restore tooth enamel.

The application process is simple and comfortable for patients. After a thorough cleaning, the medicament is gently applied to the affected area. This quick procedure not only halts cavities but also supports your child’s overall dental health!

caries arresting medicaments

FAQ

Fluoride is safe and incredibly beneficial for children when used in the right amounts. It helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities, giving your child a bright, healthy smile. We always keep an eye on fluoride exposure to ensure it’s just right for your child.

Dental sealants are usually recommended when your child’s molars start to come in, typically around age 6. Dr. Schmidt will check your child’s dental development and let you know the best time to apply sealants for maximum protection.

The time your child will need a space maintainer depends on how quickly their permanent teeth are ready to come in. It could range from a few months to a couple of years, and we’ll keep you updated at each check-up to make sure everything’s on track!

If your child’s space maintainer happens to fall out, don’t worry! Just give us a call right away. We’ll set up a time for your child to come in so we can check it out and replace it if needed to keep their teeth in the right position.

We generally recommend fluoride treatments twice a year during your child’s regular dental visits. However, if your child has specific needs or is at higher risk for cavities, we’ll customize our recommendations to keep their teeth healthy.

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