Did you know that 52% of kids ages 6 to 8 have had at least one cavity? Dentists can remove and treat cavities, but cavities damage teeth. Therefore, preventing them is the better route.
How do you prevent cavities in your kid’s teeth? There are many ways, but it takes education, work, good habits, and regular visits to a kid’s dentist in Nicholasville.
Continue reading as we discuss the best methods for preventing cavities in your children’s teeth.
The Role of a Pediatric Dentist
Dentists have different focuses. For example, a family dentist offers services for people of all ages, treating kids, adults, and seniors. Conversely, pediatric dentists specialize in dental services for kids.
When you need children’s dental care, you’ll benefit from finding a Nicholasville pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists understand:
- How to work with children
- The unique challenges of providing dental care for kids
- Common problems with children’s teeth
- The best methods for preventing cavities
Your kids can have healthier teeth by visiting a pediatric dentist routinely, and you’ll learn the best habits for preventing cavities. If you don’t have a dentist for your kids, start looking for a Nicholasville children’s dentist.
Essential Habits for Cavity Prevention
Cavities damage teeth, so preventing them is important for primary and permanent teeth. Fortunately, preventing cavities is one of a pediatric dentist’s top goals for kids.
Here are some of the ways they encourage this goal:
Establish a Consistent Oral Hygiene Routine
A pediatric dentist will help you learn the importance of establishing a consistent oral care routine. A child’s dental routine helps them develop effective habits for a lifetime and is necessary for preventing cavities.
This routine involves proper brushing frequency and methods. For example, dentists recommend brushing twice a day for two minutes both times. When brushing, use varying patterns to clean all areas of every tooth.
Good oral care habits also involve flossing. Generally, kids only need to floss once a day.
Your dentist can also recommend the best toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss. If you have questions about these things, ask the dentist.
Monitor Diet and Snacking Habits
A kid’s dentistry office also emphasizes the importance of eating habits. A child’s eating habits can affect their weight, general health, and oral health.
Aim to provide scheduled meals and snacks daily. Serve your children healthy foods and avoid sticky, sugary snacks. Additionally, limit the amount of sugary beverages your children consume.
Sugary, sticky foods can lead to cavities. Whereas healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, do not contribute to decay.
Take Them for Regular Dental Visits
Your child’s oral health also requires routine dental visits. Your pediatric dentist can help you understand when to take your kids for visits. In most cases, children require visits every six months for healthy teeth.
A regular visit includes multiple steps, including teeth-cleaning services and fluoride treatments. These visits help the pediatric dentist detect problems at an early stage, making them easier to treat.
Get Fluoride Treatments
A kid’s dentist will also encourage fluoride treatments at each dental checkup. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens teeth.
You can find fluoride in toothpaste and oral rinse products, but dentists provide high-strength treatments. These treatments make the teeth stronger, which helps to prevent decay from forming.
Get Dental Sealants
One of the best tools dentists use for cavity prevention in kids is dental sealants. A dental sealant is a liquid product a dentist paints over teeth. It hardens when it dries.
Dental sealants add a protective layer over teeth. Your child won’t feel them, as they harden around the tooth’s natural shape, but they will stop decay from eating at the child’s teeth.
A kid’s dentist in Nicholasville may suggest placing sealants on primary and permanent teeth. They wear off over time, so the dentist may need to replace them at some point.
Learn as Much as Possible
One additional thing the best pediatric dentist does is to educate kids and parents about oral health. They help kids learn how important their teeth are and the types of risks they face.
They help parents understand the best techniques to use to help their kids care for their teeth. Pediatric dentists also make dental visits fun, and because of this, kids often enjoy these visits.
The Benefits of Choosing a Great Kid’s Dentist in Nicholasville
Finding the best dentist for kids has benefits, including the following:
Focus on Kids
A pediatric dentist understands kids and their behaviors and fears. They also understand how to talk to them, treat them, and assist with helping them feel comfortable.
Your children may enjoy going to the dentist when you schedule visits at a pediatric office. In addition, you’ll have a dentist to talk to about your concerns, such as thumb-sucking or tooth issues.
Educational Resources
A pediatric dentist can also provide educational resources to help you aid in your children’s oral health. You can learn the best products to use and the best techniques for caring for their teeth.
You can ask questions to learn more and discuss your concerns and worries. A pediatric dentist can answer your questions and help you find the information you need to care for your children’s teeth properly.
Emergency Dentistry
Having a pediatric dentist for regular visits is vital, but you might encounter times when your children need emergency services. Your Nicholasville dentist can provide these if your kids ever need them.
Learn More About Our Services
Kids can have fears over dentistry services, but a kid’s dentist in Nicholasville can help with that. We aim to create a positive dental experience while educating kids and their parents about excellent oral care habits.
While cavities are not uncommon, preventing them is always the best option. Are you ready to schedule an appointment? Look no further.
Dr. Wheeler specializes in pediatric dentistry in the Nicholasville Area. Our office specializes in helping kids feel comfortable and teaching parents how to care for their children’s teeth.
We can help your kids have healthy mouths and smiles. Get in touch with us today!