When children develop cavities, you should bring them to see their Olathe, KS, dentist as soon as possible. Not only could it be months to years before a baby tooth with decay falls out, but the resulting pain could lead to serious discomfort. We have treatment options to help treat a cavity, as well as preventive procedures to safeguard young smiles against them.
Checkups and Cleanings
A child’s first dental visit should happen when the first baby tooth erupts, typically around age one. At age three, your little one should be undergoing routine visits every six months. A checkup allows our team to monitor a child’s smile as it grows and develops. We also watch for signs of trouble, such as developing misalignment or tooth decay. A cleaning involves removing all plaque and tartar from the teeth, which reduces the risk of cavities and gingivitis. Routine visits also help the dentist instill good dental habits, while reducing dental anxiety in a child.
If we find evidence of a cavity, we can recommend a safe and metal-free dental filling. Made from composite resin, the restoration can be placed in one visit and will blend with the smile. Again, ignoring a cavity in a baby tooth could mean infection or even premature tooth loss, impacting your child’s dental alignment.
Homecare
To help prevent cavities, your child should be caring for his or her smile from home. Each day, teeth should be brushed twice for two minutes. At age three, kids should start using a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Flossing is also important, as this removes the bits of food a toothbrush alone cannot. Also, consider cutting back on the consumption of sugary foods and drinks, which not only helps overall health, but limits the risk of tooth decay.
Fluoride Treatments
We also have another option to help reduce the risk of cavities: fluoride treatments. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral, one that strengthens outer tooth enamel and helps reduce the risk of tooth decay. Studies show that areas with fluoridated in tap water enjoy lower rates of tooth decay compared to communities that have removed fluoride from drinking water. Our treatments involve applying the fluoride in a varnish form, which only takes a few minutes and provides substantial smile protection. If you have any questions about our preventive and restorative treatments, or if your child needs to undergo a checkup and cleaning, then contact our team today.
Does Your Little One Have a Toothache?
From preventive care to lifelike restorations, we have solutions to tooth decay for your children. To schedule a consultation and discuss our restorative treatment options, call E-Care Dentistry in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Edgerton, Shawnee, Johnson County, and all surrounding communities.