The Importance of Preventative Dental Care for Children

As parents, we all want our children to be healthy and happy. By providing your children with regular preventative dental care, you can help prevent and treat problems before they become more severe.

Preventative Dental Services for Children

1. Dental Exams

Regular dental exams are essential for children. During these exams, the dentist will check your child's teeth and gums for any signs of decay, disease, or abnormal growth. The dentist will also evaluate your child's jaw and bite to determine if there are any problems. It's crucial to schedule dental exams at least twice a year, but your dentist may recommend more frequent appointments if your child has an increased risk of dental problems.

2. X-rays

X-rays are an essential part of preventative dental care. They allow the dentist to see inside your child's teeth and gums, finding any issues that might not be visible otherwise. For children, the dentist may recommend X-rays every six months to a year, depending on their age and risk factors. X-rays are painless and safe, and they play a critical role in detecting and treating dental issues early.

3. Cleaning

Professional dental cleaning for kids is the process of removing plaque and tartar from your child's teeth, usually with manual or ultrasonic scaling tools. This cleaning will remove food particles, bacteria, and debris that your child may have missed while brushing. The dental hygienist will also polish your child's teeth, leaving them shiny and smooth. Regular cleanings are essential in ensuring that your child's teeth and gums remain healthy and strong.

4. Fluoride and Sealants

Fluoride and sealants are preventative measures that can help protect your child's teeth from decay and cavities.

Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen enamel and protects against acid attacks from bacteria and sugars in the mouth.
Sealants, which are thin coatings that are applied to the teeth, act as barriers that block bacteria and food particles from sticking to the teeth' grooves and crevices. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children aged 6 to 11 years without sealants have almost 3 times more first-molar cavities than children with sealants.

5. Fillings

Dental fillings are typically used to treat cavities caused by tooth decay. Treatment of cavities in children restores the affected tooth's function and prevents further decay. To prevent early tooth decay, it's important to limit sugary snacks, brush twice a day, floss daily, visit your dentist regularly, and consider preventive therapies such as fluoride and sealants.

6. Mouthguards

Mouthguards are a crucial part of preventative dental care for children who play sports. They are worn to protect the teeth and prevent them from being damaged or knocked out during contact sports or other physical activities. Mouthguards are specifically designed to fit your child's teeth and provide a protective barrier.

It is essential to provide your children with proper oral healthcare from an early age, and that starts with preventative dental care. Schedule regular dental appointments and communicate with your pediatric dentist to determine the right preventative measures for your child's health.

Trusted Pediatric Dentists in Phoenix

At Total Kids Dental, we understand that finding the right pediatric dentist for your children can be a daunting task. That's why we make it our top priority to create a safe and comfortable environment for your little ones by going above and beyond to ensure that they feel at ease with our team of expert pediatric dentists. Our newly modernized office is fully equipped with the latest technology and state-of-the-art dental procedures that deliver the highest quality care. We believe in patient-centered solutions, focusing on early detection and prevention of common oral health issues to prevent further complications.

Learn more about our treatments and see why kids love us, and parents trust us today!