How We Address Cavities In Childhood
We strive to help kids of all ages in our community enjoy whole and healthy smiles, and that means treating or even preventing the onset of tooth decay. From sealants to fillings, we can safeguard your child’s teeth. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist talks about how we address childhood cavities.
The Causes of Cavities in Little Smiles
Children often have a high risk for tooth decay. Kids love snacks and treats with sugar and starch, such as candy, chips, and soda. But harmful oral bacteria will consume these particles, and in the process, elevate oral acidity and coat the teeth in a harmful layer of plaque. The buildup then erodes the enamel with time, to create tooth decay as harmful bacteria reaches the inner structures of the tooth. If kids don’t brush and floss properly, this also elevates the risk of a cavity. But our team can help kids avoid cavities with dental sealants and fluoride treatments.
Dental Sealants and Fluoride Treatments
Children often have difficulty reaching the rear teeth. As a result, food and drink particles could remain between these molars, causing the onset of tooth decay. But with dental sealants, our team will coat these teeth in a layer of acrylic material, which prevents food and drink particles from being trapped on or between these teeth. The layers can stay in place for years to come, and wear away gradually with time, clinging the longest to the more vulnerable portions of the outer structure. With fluoride treatments, we apply a special topical gel to the teeth during each checkup. The fluoride ingredients then strengthen the weakened portions of outer enamel to fight cavities. This is why fluoride is also added to our toothpaste! The application of both options takes only minutes, and kids just need to avoid food and drink for about 30 minutes after placement.
Addressing Cavities with a Filling
What if we do discover a cavity in your child’s smile? Then we can offer treatment in one visit with a dental filling, a combination of acrylic-like and glass-like particles that can be shaded to offer a lifelike appearance. The biocompatible material can stay in place for years to come, so your child avoids the onset of an infection. If you have any questions about how we prevent the onset of tooth decay, or about treating cavities with a natural-looking dental filling, then contact our team today.
Speak With Your Cleveland, TX Dentist About Children’s Dentistry
At Cleveland Family Dentistry, we want to help your kids enjoy bright and healthy smiles. To schedule an appointment, call our dental office in Cleveland, TX, today at (281) 592-1234. We also proudly serve patients and their families from Kingwood, New Caney, Conroe, Livingston, Huffman, and all surrounding communities.