We want to help your children avoid the onset of tooth decay. Otherwise, cavities could mean discomfort and even the risk of tooth loss! But fortunately, your Lake Orion, MI, dentist can offer unique treatments to address the factors behind tooth decay and keep your child’s smile healthy and whole.
The Causes of Tooth Decay
Cavities form when harmful oral bacteria can make contact with the dentin, the sensitive structure that makes up most of your tooth. The outer enamel usually prevents this from taking place, but various factors could weaken and erode the outer enamel. If you don’t brush and floss properly, and have a diet high in sugar and starch, this could allow plaque buildup to occur and weaken outer enamel. Teeth grinding or injury could also compromise the protective layer. As decay forms in the dentin, this will grow and spread throughout the tooth unless treated. Which means the cavity could become an infection that threatens tooth stability! But we can help your kids avoid tooth decay.
Dental Sealants
Many children have trouble reaching the molars at the back of the mouth when brushing and flossing, which means particles of sugar and starch could become trapped there to be broken down by bacteria. But with dental sealants, we will dry the teeth and apply a special coating to them. This acrylic layer cures quickly, and kids just need to avoid food and drink for about 30 minutes after placement. The sealants prevent particles from being trapped on or between the rear teeth. They can stay in place for up to ten years in some cases, and wear away gradually with time. As they erode, they cling the longest to the more vulnerable portions of the tooth.
Fluoride Treatments
Our team could also apply a topical fluoride gel during each checkup visit. The gel then remineralizes the outer enamel to fight erosion and prevent tooth decay. The application takes only minutes! We also recommend a fluoride toothpaste too, with kids three and young using a rice sized amount, and everyone else using a pea sized amount.
Dental Cleanings
Your children also benefit from dental cleanings every six months too! These allow us to remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth. Doing so helps fight cavities and gingivitis, as well as bad breath and teeth stains. We then polish the teeth to make it difficult for plaque and tartar to adhere to the teeth in the months to come. If you have any questions, then contact our team today!
Talk To Your Lake Orion, MI Dentist About Keeping Your Kids Cavity-Free
To learn more about avoiding the onset of childhood cavities, contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI by calling 248-693-6213 to schedule your next appointment.
