What Is Preventive Dentistry for Children?

Children are susceptible to various oral health issues. For instance, they are prone to cavities because of poor oral hygiene and dietary habits. Fortunately, you can help your child maintain good dental health by visiting a pediatric dentist in Martinsville, VA. Read on to learn about preventive dentistry for children and its importance.

What Is Preventive Dental Care?

It is a branch of dentistry that focuses on maintaining excellent oral health. The dentist helps to keep your gums and teeth healthy. They also help patients develop good habits for great oral health. Preventive dentistry for children aims at preventing gum disease and tooth decay. It ensures the child has good dental health throughout their life.

What Are Considered Preventive Dental Services?

The Martinsville pediatric dentist provides numerous preventive dentistry services. Dental treatments allow a dentist to monitor the child’s oral health and prevent oral issues. Preventive dental services include the following:

1. Oral evaluations, X-rays, scans and MRIs

They help identify a dental problem early and treat it before it worsens. The dentist can identify early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, tooth wear or misalignment.

2. Professional teeth cleanings

The dentist thoroughly cleans the child’s teeth to remove all plaque and tartar. These services help a child prevent decay even in the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.

3. Fluoride treatments

The dentist applies concentrated fluoride to the child’s teeth in an in-office procedure. These treatments can reverse early tooth decay and prevent cavities.

4. Educational instructions

The dentist will instruct parents and their children on proper dental hygiene techniques. They will help parents deal with poor oral habits in kids, such as thumb-sucking. In addition, they will advise kids and parents about nutrition for good dental health.

5. Dental sealants

These are protective resin coatings applied on the surface of teeth. They cover teeth preventing plaque action and consequent decay.

6. Space maintainers

These oral devices are placed in the tooth socket after premature tooth loss. They keep adjacent teeth from shifting into the gap and causing misalignment.

What Are Some Benefits of Preventive Dental Care for Children?

There are numerous benefits of taking your child to the Martinsville Kids’ dentist for preventive dental care. Below are some of them.

1. The dentist will do regular teeth cleanings to reduce the risk of decay and gum disease.
2. Your child will be taught good oral hygiene habits during preventive dental care visits.
3. Dental exams help dentists to identify and treat dental problems early. This saves parents money and prevents invasive treatments.
4. The dentist will identify and treat poor oral health habits in children. An example is thumb-sucking.
5. Parents are taught to promote good dental health in their children. They are trained to avoid early tooth decay when the child is breastfeeding or using a bottle. Later, they learn how to help their kids brush and floss properly.
6. The dentist helps prevent tooth decay through fluoride treatments and dental sealants application.
7. Preventive dental care promotes good oral health reducing the risk of health issues such as diabetes and heart disease.
8. The dentist can identify developmental issues in a child’s teeth and jaws. Consequently, they will begin orthodontic treatment to correct the problems.

Preventive Dental Care Habits at Home

Although you visit the kids’ dentist in 24112 regularly, it is crucial to maintain good oral health at home. You should set an example of good oral practices for your child at home. This will help them form good oral habits that will help them throughout their lives.

An example of a preventive dental care habit you can practice at home is brushing and flossing with your kids. Make it a habit to practice proper oral hygiene at the same time as your kids. It helps them clean their mouths correctly and without making a fuss. Also, it gives parents a chance to brush or floss the little one’s teeth or help them do it.

Another preventive dental care habit at home is consuming a healthy diet. Teach your kids the importance of good nutrition to oral health. Help them avoid sugary foods and drinks and eat foods that lead to healthy teeth and gums.

Schedule a Dental Exam With Kids First Dental

Preventive dental care is crucial for your child’s oral health and well-being. Children should begin having preventive dental services when they turn a year old. Help your kids maintain good oral health. Schedule an appointment with Dr Brown at Kids First Dental.