Protecting Little Smiles From Cavities
September 30, 2019
When a child develops a cavity, this means eventual discomfort and a risk of future infections, possibly even premature tooth loss. In order to halt the progress of decay, we may suggest a dental restoration to treat the tooth. Find out how your Kansas City, MO, dentist will help treat cavities in children, and protect them from developing decay in the future.
The Dangers of Tooth Decay
A cavity not only causes tooth sensitivity and toothaches, but could also grow more severe and eventually lead to an infected tooth. For baby teeth, this means the premature loss of a tooth. Since these teeth help guide permanent ones into place, this could upset the balance and lead to misalignment. Infection could also spread to surrounding teeth in severe cases, leading to further discomfort and a greater risk of tooth loss.
A cavity forms when the outer layer is weakened and eroded, which could occur as a result of poor oral hygiene. When we don’t brush and floss as we should, and we consume lots of sugary foods and drinks, this leads to plaque buildup, a bacteria byproduct that coats the teeth and weakens enamel. Injury could also cause tooth decay, such as a tooth becoming cracked or chipped. If you attend regular checkup and cleaning visits, we will likely identify activities in the early stages. Otherwise, your little one may not know anything is amiss until tooth sensitivity and toothaches occur, at which point the decay is in the later stages and an infection is all the more likely.
Fluoride Treatments
With fluoride treatments, we apply a special varnish to the teeth. Fluoride actually strengthens tooth enamel, shoring up your child’s defenses against cavities. Applying them only takes a few minutes, and we can continue to apply them future checkup and cleaning visits. Fluoride is also in your tap water, which is why drinking water can benefit smiles, in addition to the fact that water hydrates and contains no sugars or acids!
Dental Sealants
A dental sealant is an acrylic coating we place over the rear teeth. For children, these teeth can be difficult to reach when you brush and floss, increasing the risk of tooth decay. However, the sealant places a protective barrier and can stay in place for years, wearing away naturally with time. If you have any questions about our preventive children’s treatments, or if you would like to schedule a visit for your little one, then contact our team today.
Does Your Child Need a Preventive Visit?
Our team is ready to help safeguard your child’s smile against cavities and other oral health concerns. To learn more about our preventive treatments and restorations, then please schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.