We offer family dentistry, which includes treatment for smiles of all ages. Children in particular are especially vulnerable to the onset of tooth decay. But fortunately, our team can offer treatments to help lower the risk of tooth decay. In today’s blog, your Katy, TX, dentist talks about how we help kids stay cavity-free!
Kids and Cavities
Children are very susceptible to tooth decay. They crave sugary snacks, and also often have difficulty brushing and flossing thoroughly. Cavities form when the teeth are exposed to particles of sugar and starch, which harmful oral bacteria will consume, a process that creates harmful plaque buildup. The buildup then weakens enamel to increase the risk of tooth decay. You can help protect them by making sure they don’t fall asleep at night or nap with a bottle or sippy cup of milk or juice. Be sure they brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste (kids three and older need a pea sized amount, three and younger need a rice sized blot), and that they floss every evening. You can assist your younger children, and help monitor your older ones. But our team also offer unique treatments that can help kids avoid the onset of cavities.
Dental Sealants
Often, children have trouble reaching the rear teeth when they brush and floss, this is especially true of kids with special needs or dexterity issues. Food and drink particles become trapped in these rear teeth, and make them more vulnerable to tooth decay. But our team can apply a special acrylic coating to the rear teeth. The process takes just a few minutes, and kids need to avoid food and drink for about 30 minutes. The layers prevent food particles from being stuck between the rear molars, and also last for up to ten years before wearing away gradually with time. Even as they wear away, they cling the longest to the more vulnerable portions of tooth structure.
Fluoride Treatments
During each checkup and cleaning visit, we can also apply a fluoride gel to the teeth. This topical gel helps strengthen the outer enamel, and protects the weakened portions of structure to make the onset of cavities less likely. Application only takes a few minutes. Fluoride can also be found in toothpaste, as we mentioned above, and in your community’s tap water.
If you have any questions about how we protect children from the onset of tooth decay, then contact our team today to learn more.
Your Katy, TX, Dentist Offers Children’s Dentistry
Our team wants to help your kids enjoy healthy smiles for years to come. For more information on our cosmetic treatment options, then call Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX at 832-437-3849 to schedule a visit.
