It can be a real chore convincing your child that their oral hygiene is more than just an annoyance. However, this is an important step to getting them on the road to a lifetime of good oral health. Primary or baby teeth are essential for ensuring your child develops a healthy and beautiful adult smile. Unfortunately, they’re also prone to developing decay due to children just learning to care for their teeth. Thankfully there are a host of preventative care treatments your dentist provides that can help avert dental disaster before it strikes.

What Is Preventative Care, And How Does It Help?

Preventative care treatments take care of problems before they start. Professional dental cleaning is one example of preventative care. They provide significant benefit when performed as part of an oral hygiene routine that includes regular trips to your dental provider and daily flossing and brushing. During a professional cleaning, your dentist removes any plaque or tartar that may have built up between visits. This is just one part of the preventative dental care plan. Getting regular preventative care means that your dentist is able to take steps to protect and preserve the dental health of your entire family, especially your children.

Preventative care treatments cover a broad range of approaches. The aforementioned dental cleaning is just one example. Orthodontic care can be performed as part of preventative treatment, as can dental sealants, fluoride treatment, and many others. Below are some examples of preventative care treatments your dentist may provide.

• Dental Sealants – Dental sealants are a specialized form of plastic that’s painted onto your children’s most vulnerable teeth. Typically made of a glass ionomer or composite resin, sealants protect the teeth from bacteria, acid, and food debris. While patients of any age can receive dental sealants, they are particularly effective at protecting children’s teeth.
• Fluoride Treatments – This is another form of treatment that can be beneficial at any age. Children, in particular, benefit from these treatments as they help to strengthen the enamel. This makes teeth less susceptible to damage and decay. This is what makes fluoride an essential part of many types of toothpaste.
• Mouth Guards – Mouth guards are used to protect your child’s teeth in various cases. The most common is to protect against injury during sporting activities. They also protect children’s teeth from damage from bruxism or teeth grinding.
• Space Maintainers – This form of preventative care works to ensure your child’s oral cavity develops appropriately. Our primary teeth help ensure that our adult teeth have enough space to grow straight and beautiful. Space aligners help to maintain this space when a primary tooth is lost early.

These represent many of the most common oral health preventative care options your dentist may offer.

Speak To Your Dentist About Preventative Care Options

If you want to be proactive about ensuring your child receives the preventative care options they need, speak to your dentist. They’ll help you understand the options that are available and which will best be able to help your child. Call to arrange for a consultation with them today!