Dental Treatments for Children
Taking care of your smile is a lifetime endeavor, and it should start as early as possible. That’s why we’re always happy to see children in our office, and our team is especially skilled at helping them feel comfortable and welcome during their visit! The goal of regular children’s dental care is also to help your child prevent oral health issues from developing. However, it’s also to help your child’s teeth and oral structures develop properly and in good health, which significantly improves their oral health in the long term.
What Children’s Dentistry Means
With the goal of preventing concerns from developing, children’s dental care entails bringing your child in for routine checkups and cleanings at least once every six months, usually beginning at the age of three years old. However, in some cases, your child may need more than cleaning to prevent issues like cavities from developing, or to correct an issue with tooth alignment:
Dental sealants: Dental sealants are thin layers of biocompatible acrylic that we can apply to the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth. The sealants create a barrier that stops plaque from developing on these chewing surfaces, where it can be harder to remove with brushing and flossing. The sealants dissolve safely on their own over time, so your child doesn’t need to attend an additional visit to have them removed.
Fluoride treatment: Fluoride treatment is designed to strengthen the enamel that surrounds and protects your child’s teeth, which is the first line of defense against harmful plaque and tartar. If your child’s tooth enamel grows weak due to acids and oral bacteria, then fluoride treatment can help strengthen it and reduce the risks of cavities developing.
Orthodontic treatment: If your child’s teeth are not aligned properly, then their misalignment can grow increasingly worse over time if not corrected. Orthodontic treatment allows us to correct your child’s tooth and bite alignment early, helping to avoid potentially serious issues later in life. With straighter tooth alignment, your child can more successfully maintain a healthy smile and proper bite function for life.
Prepare Your Child for Healthier Smiles
With a good hygiene routine at home and regular, compassionate care at the dentist’s office, your child has a better chance at enjoying a life full of healthy smiles. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cain and our team, call Healthy Smiles in Gary, IN or Portage, IN today at 219-938-2637, or email our office at info@healthysmilesnwi.com. We proudly serve all of Northwest Indiana and surrounding areas.