3 Ways to Protect Your Child's Teeth
Prevention and early intervention are the best tools available to protect your child’s teeth from cavities and other oral health problems. Here are three tips to help protect your child’s teeth and gums.
3 Noninvasive Treatments to Prevent Cavities
Cavities are very common, especially in children. As many as 20% of children ages 5-11 have at least one untreated cavity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When it comes to your child’s oral health, prevention is often the best defense against tooth decay and other dental problems.
At Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics in Falls Church, Virginia, Nathalie Phaeton, DDS, Ki Youn Kil, DDS, and our team offer a range of pediatric dentistry services and orthodontic treatments for children and adults. In this blog, we discuss three noninvasive treatments that can help prevent cavities or keep them from getting worse.
Noninvasive treatments that can fight against tooth decay
When it comes to fighting cavities, there are treatments that can help prevent them altogether or keep them from getting worse. Here are three of them:
1. Silver diamine fluoride
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a liquid treatment that’s made from a combination of silver, fluoride, and ammonia. It’s a minimally invasive topical treatment that can help prevent a cavity from progressing. The silver ions in SDF can kill the bacteria causing the decay, and the fluoride ions can remineralize the tooth structure and make it more resistant to further decay.
Silver diamine fluoride is safe and doesn’t require drilling or anesthesia. While SDF isn’t a permanent solution to treat cavities, and it doesn’t remove the decayed tissue, it can provide relief from tooth sensitivity and prevent further decay.
2. Dental sealants
Dental sealants are liquid treatments that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars to help prevent cavities. They are most commonly used on molars and premolars, which have deep grooves that can be difficult to clean.
The sealants form a protective barrier that helps prevent the development of tooth decay by sealing the pits and fissures on the surfaces of the teeth, where bacteria and food particles can accumulate and lead to decay.
The sealants cover the tooth’s surface to the point where the surface becomes flat, which can make it easier for children and teenagers to effectively brush their teeth. The application process is quick and involves cleaning the tooth’s surface and applying the sealant. The sealant is then hardened with a light.
3. Routine dental cleanings
Dental exams and cleanings are the best preventive tools available in the fight against cavities and other oral health problems. In addition to clearing away bacteria and plaque buildup, regular checkups and cleanings can help your child’s dental provider detect problems early, when problems are usually easier to treat.
For more information about cavity prevention and treatment, call 703-483-9933 or book an appointment online with Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Tips to Prepare Your Child With Special Needs for the Dentist
When your child has special needs, getting them to the dentist may present a few challenges. Here are a few tips to help your special needs child feel safe and comfortable at their next dental appointment.
Is My Child Too Young for Invisalign®?
If your child needs orthodontic treatment, there are several options available. Here’s what you need to know about Invisalign®, and whether it’s a good choice for your child.
Knocked-Out Baby Tooth: Is it a Dental Emergency?
Baby teeth are temporary, so does it matter when a baby tooth is knocked out? Here’s what you need to know about when a knocked-out baby tooth requires dental treatment, and if it’s a dental emergency.
5 Unexpected Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants can be a valuable tool in protecting your children’s teeth from cavities. Here’s what you need to know about how they work, and the benefits of investing in sealants for your children.
Bruxism in Children: What to Look for and How to Treat It
Many children grind their teeth while they sleep, which is also known as bruxism. Bruxism can cause a number of symptoms and potentially cause damage to your child’s teeth. Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms and treatment options.