Dentistry for Kids Cambridge, OH
Oral hygiene is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile. This goes for everyone, from young children to seniors. Just like adults, children need to brush their teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. They also require regular professional care as well. At OHIOSmiles, we can provide the care and tips your child needs to help them keep their mouth happy and healthy.
Just like adults, children require biannual cleanings and exams. With cleanings, we can eliminate all buildup from the surfaces of your teeth. In addition to eliminating plaque, bacteria, and other debris, we are also able to scrape away tartar, or plaque that has calcified and cannot be removed by brushing. We can effectively clean all areas of the teeth, including the ones that your child might not be able to completely clean on their own.
Exams are also important. We look over the surfaces of the teeth as well as the gum tissue, checking for signs of decay, cavities, physical damage, and gum disease. We can detect the earliest warning signs of these issues before symptoms even begin to appear. With early detection, we can provide your child with the treatment they need right away. This prevents more serious issues from developing, as well as the need for more invasive treatments, later on.
Many parents have concerns over when to bring their child to the dentist for the first time and what to expect. Your child's first visit will be a breeze at OHIOSmiles.
Fluoride and sealants provide additional protection against the development of cavities. Fluoride treatments are applied following dental cleanings. A fluoride gel is painted onto the teeth and left there. The fluoride absorbs into the teeth, strengthening them to fight off the acid attacks that weaken the enamel and cause cavities.
Sealants are synthetic applications that are placed on the chewing surfaces of the molars. They effectively cover over the deep grooves and crevices of these areas, preventing food particles and bacteria from getting trapped. In addition to preventing buildup, sealants also help to make the molars easier to keep clean.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. At this age, the baby teeth have begun falling out, and the adult teeth have started to come in. We can detect the presence of orthodontic issues and predict the need for treatments such as braces. With orthodontic evaluations, we may even be able to provide early treatment for your child, which can reduce the severity of later treatments or even eliminate the need for later treatment.
If your child plays sports, particularly contact sports, wearing the proper protective gear is essential. Included in this protective gear should be a mouthguard. A mouthguard is designed to protect the teeth from damage, displacement, and avulsion. It also protects the intraoral tissues as well as the jawbone. We can custom create a mouthguard for your child, which will help to ensure are a proper fit and optimal protection.
The dentist can be a scary place for a child. There are things that you can do to help alleviate their fears and anxieties. First, tell them about their appointment early so that they have time to prepare mentally. You can help them to understand what will happen at the dentist by reading books about dental visits or playing pretend. If your child is still afraid when they come into the office and are unable to relax or remain still, we may recommend sedation to help them relax. This will help to make the process easier and ensure their safety during their appointment.
With professional dental care, we can help your child to develop good oral hygiene habits that will ensure a happy, healthy smile for a lifetime. For more information, or to schedule an appointment for your child, call OHIOSmiles at (740) 781-0540 today. |