Your child will begin getting their baby teeth during the first 6 months of their life. By age 6 or 7, they’ll begin to lose their baby teeth and get their secondary, permanent teeth. Because of this well-known fact of life, many people share the common misconception that dental health within the first few years isn’t that important. However, this could not be further from the truth.
Every day, your body is constantly taking in and losing fluoride. The foods you eat and the water you drink all contain fluoride. As your teeth demineralize, you lose fluoride because of plaque bacteria and sugars in your mouth that attack the enamel of your teeth. Interestingly though, decades of research have shown that you can restore the fluoride you lost in your enamel (as well as phosphate and calcium) by eating healthy foods that contain fluoride. Fluoride treatments are also a way to restore the fluoride you lose.
Technology has improved countless aspects of the dental industry, and the power of digital is now being brought into X-ray technology. The actual process of receiving a digital X-ray is similar to that of a traditional X-ray. In order for your dentist to take an X-ray, they will put a sensor into your mouth that will capture multiple images of your teeth. However, while you might not know the difference, this is where the similarities end.
Our children are bold and adventurous and as their parent, you’re bound to end up with an emergency at some point, whether it’s a sprained arm or a bumped head. But, when a dental emergency occurs, it can be tricky to know where to go first. How do you respond when a dental emergency occurs, and you don’t have an appointment at an office?
Dragging your child to a dental appointment can prove to be a hassle, but we’d like to make it as positive of an experience as it can be. We know children aren’t always the most excited about coming to the dentist, and you may not be either, but talking with your child about the importance of proper dental hygiene and speaking with their dentist to ensure they’re following through on their habits is essential to helping make sure your child has a long-lasting and healthy smile.
Some children see a visit to the dentist as a new and exciting adventure while others might not be the happiest campers when you tell them about their appointment. Our friendly team always tries to make every dental visit into a positive one, but what can you do on your end to help encourage your child to come in and show off their smile?
Back-to-school time means many new things will be added to your to-do list, but one thing you’ll want to check off if your child’s back-to-school dental examination. At your child’s back-to-school dental exam, your dentist will be checking over your child’s mouth entirely to ensure everything is lining up correctly and growing in healthy. This exam will ultimately help your child avoid misalignment, cavities, and other dental problems that could grow more severe.
Dental sealants are used to protect the chewing surface of teeth from decay. They are used on the surface of the permanent back teeth, the premolars and molars, to help protect these teeth from decay that will occur from chewing and eating food regularly. While not permanent, dental sealants do last up to 7-10 years. They will chip away with time, but they can be replaced and repaired as needed. They have been in wide use since the early 1970s and their effects are proven.
Cavities aren’t fun no matter how young or old the patient is, and it’s even less fun to think about the avenue of treatment available to you. However, thanks to ever-improving technology, dentists are now able to offer cavity treatment that is faster, more effective, and more comfortable than ever before.