We Can Help You Prevent Dental Decay and Gum Disease
Prevention of dental decay begins with a complete exam and evaluation of your child’s risk level for cavities. For those prone to cavities the most effective tool to prevent cavities is sweets elimination. For infants and small children it may also involve better timing of food intake.
Preventive treatments with fluoride are designed to optimize the results while preventing unwanted side effects in children. Dental fluorosis, a mottling of the permanent teeth caused by consumption of too much fluoride by young children, is a growing problem. Fluoride in the right amount can prevent half of all cavities in permanent teeth. We prescribe fluoride in many forms including vitamins, gels, varnishes, mouth wash and special toothpastes depending on your child’s particular situation. But we use fluoride conservatively to prevent fluorosis.
Sealants are white plastic coatings which are applied to the biting surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities in deep pits and fissures. Sealants are one of our most effective tools to prevent cavities.
Antibacterial mouth washes reduce the number of microbes which rot the teeth. Removing the decay and restoring the teeth also works in this way. Sometimes covering a weak tooth with a metal crown is the only effective way to prevent further decay.
Your child’s gums may be swollen and red, with relatively large calculus deposits around the teeth. This comes from poor oral hygiene habits. The calculus needs to be scaled off the teeth and the teeth polished. This procedure is called “debridement.”. Within a few days the gums will heal and return to a healthy condition. Teeth and gums should be brushed and flossed daily to prevent this problem.
