Your child was born with 20 teeth underneath their gums waiting for just the perfect moment to appear. As a parent, you may remember — not so fondly — the months of teething pains as those teeth burst upon the scene. Depending on how old your child is, you may be looking forward to occasional visits from the Tooth Fairy to reward them for the loss of those baby teeth. Eventually, there will soon be adult teeth in those same jaws.
Do kids’ teeth matter?
Don’t make the mistake of looking past those baby teeth just because they’re going to fall out all on their own and be replaced with adult teeth. The care and condition of those baby teeth are essential for several reasons. First, tooth decay will cause cavities that may need to be filled. That’s a process that no child enjoys, and one that can be prevented.
Second, tooth decay is an infection that can affect much more than teeth but can affect your child’s gums and general health. Finally, how your child’s primary teeth grow in will affect just how straight — or not — their adult teeth grow in.
You can keep their teeth healthy and set your child up for a lifetime of oral and dental health by establishing good oral hygiene habits and taking advantage of these five preventative dentistry treatments designed just for kids.
Prevention dentistry near you… just for kids
Here are five dental health prevention strategies recommended by pediatric dentists in Apollo Beach.
Cleanings
Your child’s teeth should be cleaned twice a year to ensure that all plaque and tartar is removed. Daily brushing and flossing are essential but can leave potentially harmful plaque behind while your child is getting the hang of the best brushing and flossing practices.
Dental sealants
Pediatric dentists near you seal children’s teeth with a translucent plastic-like material that prevents cavities from developing and spreading. Sealants are commonly applied to molars with deep ridges and dry in just minutes. Once dried, the surfaces of your child’s teeth are protected from contact with food and the material that can produce cavities.
Fluoride
Fluoride treatment from a pediatric dentist near you increases the strength of your child’s teeth by boosting their enamel. Healthy enamel is able to resist the acids and bacteria that produce plaque and, if not removed, tartar, and decay.
Mouthguards
If your child is a budding athlete who participates in sports with a risk of contact, consider having your pediatric dentist prepare a custom-fit mouthguard to protect those teeth and gums from harm.
Space maintainers
It is a fact of childhood adventuring and shenanigans that some baby teeth are lost before their intended time. While it’s true that those teeth were going to fall out anyway, a tooth that falls out or has to be extracted prematurely can cause future dental and orthodontic problems. Those baby teeth form the pathway to be followed by adult teeth later. The premature departure of baby teeth can cause those adult teeth to come in incorrectly. These problems can be avoided by your child wearing a custom space maintainer made of plastic to hold all her teeth in the best position as long as necessary.
Your pediatric dentist in Naples is committed to setting your child on a path for a lifetime of excellent oral health. You may be able to take the first steps towards a lifetime of healthy teeth even earlier than you think. As soon as your baby’s first tooth arrives or she or he turns a year old, get in touch with a pediatric dentist near you to introduce them to their new dentist.