Straight Teeth in Less Time
3 Preventative Dentistry Services You Should Ask Your Kid's Dentist About
Lois Murray
When it comes to protecting your little one, you might be focused on keeping them safe from communicable diseases like the flu, while simultaneously overlooking the importance of their dental health. However, by communicating with your kid's dentist and taking the right precautions, you can help them to enjoy a beautiful, comfortable smile. Here are three preventative dentistry services you should ask your child's dental provider about.
1. Routine Cleanings
While you should start taking your children to see the dentist as soon as they develop teeth, many parents wonder how often their little ones need to be seen. While the standard rule of thumb is every six months, some children may need to be seen more or less than this, since dental problems like incorrectly erupting teeth or baby bottle decay can contribute to ongoing issues.
Ask your children's dentist how often your child should be seen for routine cleanings and what you can do between cleanings to prevent additional problems. In addition to helping children to keep their smiles healthier, frequent dental visits may also help some kids to quell dental anxiety.
2. Dental Sealants
Some children have a difficult time brushing and flossing properly, which is why many dentists recommend dental sealants. After the teeth are professionally cleaned, dental sealants, which are made with clear resins, can be painted directly onto the teeth to prevent acid erosion and cavities.
The entire process of receiving dental sealants is fast and easy, so ask your children's dentist if your child is a good candidate for dental sealants. Also, ask your insurance company if the procedure is covered. Oftentimes, protective treatments like sealants are covered under the umbrella of preventative dental care.
3. Mouth Guards
Another issue that many kids struggle with early on is dental trauma, especially since kids may play hard outdoors or participate in organized sports. To prevent issues like knocked-out teeth and oral lacerations, you should talk with your dentist about prescribing a custom mouth guard for your little one. These special guards are designed to absorb impact and prevent trauma, helping your child to enjoy healthier teeth while they play without worrying about their smile.
If it is time to have your children seen by a kids' dentist, look for a pediatric dental practice in your area. In addition to having more experience with children, these specialty practices are also usually more geared towards kids, with decorated rooms and a staff who understands how to diffuse stressful situations with little ones.
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I had braces when I was a kid. Back then, you had to wear those metal wires and rubber bands for what seemed like forever. When I saw that my child’s teeth were going to be crooked like mine, I was dreading the years of braces and orthodontist appointments and limited diets that I saw stretching ahead of us. I was pleased to find out that braces today are very different from braces when I was a kid. They don’t need to be worn for nearly as long, and they aren’t as intrusive, either. My daughter got braces that can barely be seen, and she can remove them when she eats, so she doesn’t have to give up her favorite foods. I was so impressed that I started a blog to talk about modern day tooth straightening techniques. Braces have come a long way.