In just a few days, many kids in our community will start heading back to school. You are likely busy making sure they have their supplies and new clothes. But we don’t want you to forget about their smiles! In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, family dentist talks about ensuring kids start a new school year with optimal oral health!
Your Child’s Dental Exam
We recommend bringing your little ones in for a checkup and cleaning before school starts or early in the school year. The exam involves taking a close look at their teeth and gums with diagnostic imaging systems like digital x-rays and intraoral cameras. We can make a diagnosis with precision and identify issues that could cause problems in the early stages, such as tooth decay and gingivitis. Our team can then create a treatment plan to address them, such as placing a dental filling, so they avoid discomfort during the school year.
In the same visit, we also take time to conduct a dental cleaning, in which we remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth. The cleaning helps brighten the smile and lower the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Fluoride Treatments and Dental Sealants
Our team can also assess your child’s cavity risk and provide preventive treatments designed to help lower the risk of tooth decay. Following the cleaning portion of the visit, we could apply fluoride to the teeth in a varnish form, which helps keep the outer enamel strong and the risk of cavities low. Since many kids have difficulties reaching the rear teeth when they brush and floss, the molars could be a source of cavities. But we can apply dental sealants on these rear teeth so food and drink particles cannot be caught there, lowering the risk of cavities for years to come. With both options, we can apply them in seconds and kids just need to avoid food and drink for about a half hour as the material fully cures.
Airway Evaluations
We also conduct pediatric airway evaluations, making sure your little one can breathe properly at night and that their airways are not being obstructed, which can lead to poor sleep and behavioral issues during the day at school. If we find signs of airway obstruction, we could provide a custom oral appliance to wear at night and ensure kids can rest with ease and wake up feeling refreshed and ready for classes!
Your Dallas, TX, Dentist Discusses Children’s Dental Care
We would love the chance to help your kids start classes with their best smile. For more information on children’s dentistry, then please schedule a consultation by calling the Viva Dental Family Dentistry office nearest you at (214) 337-7800 (Dallas) or (972) 437-6000 (Richardson).
