Keep Decay from Ruining Your Child’s Teeth

When your child’s permanent teeth erupt, it is most important to give them the best chance of staying
healthy and strong because they are meant to last a lifetime. Early dental care is an essential part of
ensuring your child’s teeth will remain intact into and through adulthood. Unfortunately, tooth loss can
happen in childhood or adolescence without proper care. In fact, tooth loss is very common among
those in their 30s, especially if they did not have proper dental care in their younger years.

Regular Dental Checkups

The recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for your child’s first dental visit
should happen either when the first tooth appears or at least by their first birthday. Starting dental care
when the teeth first show helps create a firm foundation for a lifelong appreciation of oral health. It also
gives the dentist a baseline to monitor the growth and development of your child’s teeth. As a result,
early detection of potential issues, such as crowding, misalignment, etc., can be identified, and in many
cases, preventive measures can be taken to eliminate or minimize problems.

Dental tooth decay and gum disease are also identified and addressed in these visits. When detected
early, the affected areas can be restored to health. It is as important to keep primary teeth healthy as
they are permanent teeth. Primary teeth create the pathway for permanent teeth to erupt. If one of
these teeth should become seriously decayed, it could affect the underlying permanent tooth.

Dental Sealants for Kids

The molars are the first permanent teeth to erupt. This happens around the age of six. One molar will
erupt on each side of the upper and lower jaws. When they come in, the chewing surface will have deep
pits and fissures which are used for masticating (chewing) food. Even with adequate brushing and
flossing, it can be difficult to keep these sufficiently clean. Some of the grooves in the teeth are too small
and deep for the toothbrush’s bristles to reach. These areas are susceptible to dental decay.
Fortunately, there is a solution in the form of dental sealants. A thin film of resin or glass ionomer is laid
down over the tooth’s surface, filling in the grooves and fissures. This seals the tooth surface from the
acids and harmful bacteria that lead to tooth decay.

Give your child the opportunity to have a healthy mouth well into adulthood by regularly visiting the
dentist and requesting dental sealants. Call Crosstown Family Dental today to schedule a visit with us.