7 Forms of Preventive Dental Care for Children

Like most problems in life, preventive dental care is better than corrective or curative dental care. Preventive measures tend to be more comfortable and affordable than curative measures. Below are seven forms of preventive dental care that may benefit your child.

1. Dental Exams and Cleanings

Everyone, including children, needs regular dental exams. The ideal schedule for these exams is every six months. During the consultations, the dentist will:

• Give tips for home dental care
• Clean the teeth
• Examine the teeth for anomalies and emerging oral problems

The regular exams will prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to teeth damage.

2. Dental X-rays

Your child also needs regular dental x-rays. The frequency of the x-rays depends on:

• The age of the child
• The child’s dental and medical history
• The status of the child’s oral and dental health

For example, a child with a high risk of dental decay needs x-rays every six months until the risk subsides. The x-rays will help to:

• Spot early signs of decay
• Keep track of the development of emerging teeth
• Sport emerging abnormalities, such as overcrowded teeth

The x-rays reveal hidden features of the teeth that the dentist might not spot with their naked eyes.

3. Dental Sealing

Dental sealants are thin plastic materials that the dentist applies to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. The sealants protect the teeth from bacterial attack and acidic erosion. The back teeth are frequent candidates for dental sealing due to their depressions and grooves. The depressions make good hiding places for bacteria.

Children should get dental sealants as soon as they get their permanent teeth. Those with baby teeth may need the sealants if the dentist considers them at high risk for cavities.

4. Fluoride Administration

The fluoride mineral forms part of the enamel, which is the outermost layer of the teeth. The enamel protects the inner tooth tissues. Most kids get adequate fluoride from food and water, but some don’t get the mineral in adequate quantities.

The pediatric dentist will assess the child’s exposure to fluoride and determine whether it’s inadequate. In the case of fluoride deficiency, the dentist may administer fluoride in different forms, such as drops, tablets, and gels.

5. Athletic Mouth Guards

Athletic mouthguards are protective devices that reduce the risk of injuries from a physical impact on the mouth. Any child who engages in physical activities and faces a high risk of blows to the head requires a mouthguard. That way, a blow to the head won’t crack, loosen, or knock out the child’s teeth.

6. Space Maintainers

Baby teeth hold places for and guide permanent teeth to erupt properly. Unfortunately, your child might lose a baby tooth before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. If that happens, the child may need a space maintainer (dental device) to minimize the effects of the lost tooth. The child wears the space maintainer, which can be fixed or removable until the natural tooth erupts.

7. Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment helps to align crooked teeth. Orthodontic treatment is a corrective, cosmetic, and preventive dental procedure. Orthodontic treatment is a preventive measure because crooked teeth:

• Increase the risk of cavities since they are difficult to clean
• Can cause jaw pain and headaches
• Face a high risk of fracture or breakage upon physical impact

A child with crooked teeth will need orthodontic treatment to prevent such complications.

Your child may not need all of these forms of preventing dental care. Apollo Dental can assess your child’s oral and dental health and advise you on the necessary measures. Contact us for a booking today so that we can begin the journey to secure your child’s dental health.