One of the primary goals of pediatric dentistry is to prevent oral health concerns rather than only dealing with them if they develop. In addition to educational services to help parents care for their child's teeth between visits, pediatric dentists offer preventive dental treatments that help reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other concerns.
Every pediatric dentist offers their own set of services. However, there are some more common preventive dental treatments that most offer. These pediatric dentistry services include diagnostic services, routine cleaning, dental sealants, fluoride treatment, and a dental mouthguard.
Diagnostic services play an important role in pediatric dentistry. Common services such as an oral examination and dental X-rays help detect potential concerns as early as possible to help prevent them from developing into more concerning oral health problems.
Routine dental cleaning is one of the most common preventive dental treatments recommended on every check-up visit, which should ideally take place every four to six months. The purpose of this procedure is to remove plaque and tartar accumulation along the gum line and on the surface of teeth enamel. Song other benefits, this greatly reduces the risk of childhood cavities.
Dental sealants are another great way to reduce children's overall risk of cavities. Sealants are plastic coatings placed over the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, which are the most vulnerable areas and most susceptible to enamel decay. This common preventive dental treatment is minimally invasive and does not cause the child any discomfort.
Your child's pediatric dentistry may also provide fluoride treatment if they detect that the child's enamel has started to weaken. Fluoride can remineralize enamel and help prevent erosion (cavities) from occurring. This is often a great way to prevent the need for restorative treatments such as dental fillings and dental crowns.
A dental mouth guard helps protect against dental trauma, such as getting hit in the mouth by a ball during a sporting event. Mouth guards should be worn whenever a blow to the face is possible. Your child's pediatric dentistry can assess the need for a mouth guard based on your child's lifestyle and extracurricular activities. Many provide custom mouthguards that are comfortable and highly protective.
Restorative treatments such as cavity fillings, dental crown placement, dental bonding, and a baby root canal procedure (among many others) are also available in most pediatric dentistry practices. Although prevention is the focus, restorative treatments are sometimes necessary, even with good oral care.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentistry in Middletown, NY
If your child is due for their next pediatric dentistry visit for a check-up and cleaning, or if they have specific oral health concerns that need to be addressed, then contact us today. We pride ourselves in offering a friendly environment for children, ensuring they receive the quality dental care they need and desire in a comfortable and relaxed environment.
Request an appointment or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at 845-363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
Parents play a crucial role in their children's tooth care by ensuring their children get started on the right path to optimal dental health. This involves overseeing children's tooth care at home while also helping them develop healthy dental habits and ensuring they see a pediatric dentist regularly.Parents will need to keep their child's mouth…
Just like adults, children need preventive dental care — that is where pediatric dentistry comes in. Many parents believe that their child's teeth are healthy simply because their child is young. The truth is that oral health issues are as prevalent in kids as much as adults. Since they love sugary treats, the risk of…
Children have a great deal of growing and changing to do before they come into their adult smile, which often means parents fail to consider cosmetic dentistry for children as an option. However, cosmetic dental services can make a big difference for kids at this vulnerable age, when they may be prone to bullying and…
Teaching your child to practice good oral hygiene basics is essential for setting them up for lifelong oral health. Here are four important ways children can maintain good oral health. Pediatric dentists recommend kids brush their teeth at least twice daily for two minutes each session. Brushing removes food particles left behind after eating and…
Oral hygiene basics are the foundation of a child’s oral health. This article will review how practicing oral hygiene basics will keep your child’s teeth healthy so they can serve them well for a lifetime.One of the most important aspects of dental hygiene is brushing regularly. Pediatric dentists will recommend brushing a minimum of twice…