Kids are vulnerable to cavities, especially around the holidays and the months to follow due to an increase in sugar consumption. But our team can offer unique preventive treatments to help them avoid the onset of cavities. In today’s blog, your Round Rock, TX, pediatric dentist talks about using fluoride treatments and dental sealants to fight cavities.

The Onset of Cavities in Little Smiles

When your little ones eat a lot of sugar, this leaves particles behind, trapped on or between the teeth. Lack of proper brushing and flossing allows the particles to remain in place for bacteria to consume, a process that elevates oral acidity and coats the teeth in plaque and tartar buildup. The buildup not only causes bad breath and teeth stains, but also weakens outer enamel to allow tooth decay to form. Children then develop painful toothaches as the decay grows in severity, and could risk infection even premature tooth loss. But with preventive actions, we can help children stay free of tooth decay!

Fluoride Treatments

During each six-month checkup and cleaning visit, our team can provide a fluoride treatment, coating the teeth in a special varnish. A naturally occurring mineral, fluoride has been shown to strengthen the weakened portions of enamel to prevent cavities from occurring. The application takes only a few seconds, and kids just need to wait 30 minutes before they eat or drink to allow it to properly cure and bond with the outer tooth structure. Kids should also use a fluoride toothpaste when they brush, with children three and younger using a rice sized amount, and kids over the age of three using a pea sized amount. The tap water in your community also contains safe amounts of fluoride, so encourage your kids to drink water to stay hydrated and also strengthen their protective tooth enamel.

Dental Sealants

Many kids have trouble reaching the rear teeth when they brush or floss. Which means particles of sugar and starch can remain trapped there, increasing the risk of eventual tooth decay. But we can help with dental sealants. We will apply a special acrylic layer to the rear molars, which coats them and prevents food and drink particles from being stuck on or between them, lowering the risk of cavities. The layers take minutes to apply and again, kids need to wait about a half hour before they eat or drink anything. The sealants can stay in place for up to ten years in some cases!

If you have any questions, contact our team today!

Schedule Your Child’s Visit Before the Holidays

We’re ready to help your children enjoy good oral health by keeping tooth decay at bay. Give us a call at Pediatric Dentistry of Round Rock at (979)472-4498 to schedule their next appointment.