Baby teeth are important for chewing, biting, speech, and appearance, as well as holding space for permanent teeth. Maintaining a healthy diet, daily hygiene, and biannual dental cleanings/exams are extremely important.
A healthy diet includes a balance with the limitation of sugary foods, such as candy, sodas, fruit juices, or other liquids containing sugar. Even milk contains natural sugars, so remember it is important to avoid putting a child to bed with a bottle and monitoring what types of foods they eat.
At Stonehenge Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Raleigh, NC, we provide pediatric dentistry services to prevent cavities, gum inflammation, and other dental problems common in children. We offer preventative dental care and helpful tips for children and their parents including dental sealants and custom mouthguards.
Pediatric Care in Raleigh, NC
Daily hygiene is a valuable part of your child’s oral health care. Children like to be independent with brushing around the age of 3 but cannot control a brush until around 9. During these years, there are a lot of opportunities for decay if a child is not assisted. Try to make it fun by having your child brush first and you do a follow-up brushing. The most important time to help them brush their teeth is at night because food and bacteria have a long period of time to stay in contact with the teeth during sleep.
Biannual cleanings and exams are also important to keep your child healthy. Our office loves to see children and wants to provide a positive experience! We know that having a fun and engaging first visit will set your child up for success in their early years and throughout life.
During your child’s first dental visit, you and your child will meet our wonderful staff, including a visit with our hygienist and dentist. You will receive valuable information and have time to ask questions. We will encourage your child to sit in the dental chair for a ride and will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums. Many children are shy or nervous at first but become great lifelong patients with a positive first visit.
Sealants and Fluoride Treatment
Dental sealants are thin coatings that we place on the chewing surface of the permanent teeth. Typically, we place sealants on the molars and premolars to help protect them from bacteria and acids that contribute to cavities. These teeth have grooves and depressions that attract food and plaque. As a result, it is hard for regular tooth brushing and flossing to prevent particles from getting stuck in these areas.
We usually place sealants on children’s molars and premolars when they first erupt. However, we can also place sealants for adults who are at risk of developing cavities. Sealant treatment is efficient and does not require anesthesia.
Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent cavities and can repair teeth. If you or your child are at a moderate-to-high risk of developing cavities, a professional fluoride treatment in our office can help. The fluoride treatment in our office is a much stronger concentration than in toothpaste and mouth rinses that may be available over the counter.
The fluoride may be in the form of a solution, gel, foam, or varnish. We apply the fluoride with a brush or a tray held in the mouth for several minutes. Not eating or drinking for 30 minutes after fluoride can help the teeth absorb and repair as quickly as possible. Generally, children up to 18 years of age receive fluoride in the dental office every 6 months.
Call Our Office Today
Do you need to schedule your child’s next dental appointment? Request a dental consultation with us today or call 919.295.0936.