It goes without saying that we all know brushing our teeth is the number one way to fight of cavities and other damage. Keep in mind, however, that preventive care does not hinge on just brushing alone, and in fact is comprised of a steady balance of brushing and flossing at home, attending routine dental exams and cleanings, and even paying mind to the types of foods and beverages you consume. That being said, the same applies for tiny smiles, and our team believes it is never too early to start on a great path to excellent dental care. In today’s blog, your Lake Orion, MI dentist will address what is covered during your child’s routine visit and why it is necessary for a lifelong grin.
Examining for Healthy Development
Ensuring a healthy smile for life is a never-ending process, and honestly the sooner you start the better. We recommend bringing in your infant at the sign of his or her first tooth, or by the time of his or her first birthday in order to begin the process of monitoring their teeth and familiarize him or her with our office and team. By age three, our team will begin seeing your child regularly once every six months.
When your little one comes in for his or her office visit, we will begin by gently but thoroughly examining their teeth, gums, tongue, checks, and back of the throat for any damage or indications of unhealthy development. This includes checking for cavities, buildup of plaque, or broken or cracked structures in need of repairing.
Gently Removing Plaque Deposits
Once your child’s examination is complete, our team will provide a gentle cleaning in order to remove deposits of plaque or tartar that have gathered on or around the teeth. These deposits not only house harmful oral bacteria that actively work toward breaking down your tooth’s natural structure, but cause bad breath and hygiene as well. Once they are removed the dentist will carefully smooth the surfaces of the teeth in order to make it difficult for bacteria to attach in the future.
Adding Extra Strength
While you may be instilling the right habits on your children early regarding preventive dental care, sometimes tiny grins could use a little boost. Our office offers a way to provide this additional strength in the form of a dental sealant or fluoride. Dental sealant treatments involve painting a thin coat of dental acrylic over the affected area in order to prevent bacteria from nestling in the ridges of the teeth. Fluoride, on the other hand, is used to enhance the level of strength in your tooth enamel. For more information, contact our team today.
Schedule Your Visit
Contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI by calling 248-693-6213 to schedule your child’s dental visit today.