Prevention
Pediatric Dentist Anchorage, AK
 Good oral health habits in childhood can lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. At Aurora Children’s Dentistry, we understand that prevention is key, and we're here to help parents establish good dental preventive measures for their kids. We discuss some of those measures below.
During your first appointment, our doctors can show you the proper brushing technique for your infant or toddler. As the child grows older, we will show them the proper technique as well. Our goal is to make education fun and enjoyable, which helps your child establish better oral hygiene habits.
Flossing is equally as important as brushing, yet many children still struggle to do it every day. Flossing is an effective way to remove food debris and bacteria from in between the teeth. It is also the best way to prevent gum disease.
Dental sealants are a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of your child's molars and premolars. These teeth have deep grooves that can trap food particles and bacteria, making them more susceptible to decay. Sealants help to seal these grooves, preventing decay and keeping your child's teeth healthy. Sealants are usually applied to children's permanent teeth when they come in, typically around the age of six.
Fluoride treatment is a routine part of pediatric dentistry. Despite popular misconceptions, fluoride can be immensely beneficial to your child's oral health. This naturally occurring mineral can strengthen enamel and even reverse minor instances of decay. our doctors will assess the need for fluoride treatment during your child's initial appointment.
Mouth guards are essential for children who play sports that pose a risk of dental injuries, such as football, basketball, or hockey. A mouth guard is a protective device that is worn over the teeth and gums to protect them from impact. Mouth guards can help prevent dental injuries, such as chipped or knocked-out teeth, and reduce the risk of concussion.
Regular check ups with a dentist are recommended every six months for children. During these appointments, our pedodontist will carefully examine your child's teeth and gums for any signs of decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues. X-rays may also be taken to check for any underlying problems that may not be visible to the naked eye. By detecting dental issues early, our pedodontist can provide more conservative and less invasive treatments that are often more comfortable for your child and less expensive than more extensive procedures.
Cleanings
Dental cleanings are an important part of preventive dental care for children. They are recommended at least twice a year and involve removing plaque and tartar buildup from your child's teeth. During these cleanings, our pedodontist will use special tools to clean all surfaces of your child's teeth, including hard-to-reach areas that may be difficult to clean with regular brushing and flossing.
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if not removed regularly. Tartar, on the other hand, is a hard, calcified deposit that forms when plaque is not removed and can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning.
By removing plaque and tartar buildup, dental cleanings prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues that can cause pain and discomfort for your child. In addition to removing plaque and tartar, our pedodontist will polish your child's teeth to remove any surface stains, leaving them feeling smooth and clean.
Exams
Just like regular checkups, dental exams are essential for maintaining optimal oral health in children. Unlike routine check ups, dental exams completely evaluate your child's oral health. This thorough examination allows our pedodontist to detect signs of oral health issues, including decay, gum disease, or other concerns that may not be visible during a regular check up.
Regular checkups, cleanings, exams, fluoride treatment, and mouth guards are all essential dental preventive measures for children. By taking these steps to maintain your child's oral health, you can help prevent dental problems and keep their teeth healthy and strong for years to come. At Aurora Children’s Dentistry we can help you monitor the oral hygiene of your child. Call us at 907-336-1234 today! |
