3 Dental Treatments Your Child May Be Offered

When you are preparing your child to visit the dentist, it's a good idea to let them know what to expect. This can help settle any anxiety they may have and demystify their appointment. A child who's at ease before their dental appointment will be easier to examine and work with, which means your dentist will be able to be thorough in their examination of your child's teeth, and this reduces the risk of any developing problems being missed. If it's been a while since your child's last visit, ask them if they remember what happens during a check-up and go through the steps with them. Simple dental treatments are routinely offered during dental check-ups, and understanding what these treatments are can help your child remain calm and in control if your dentist suggests they have one. Here are 3 dental treatments your child may be offered at their check-up:

Plaque Removal

It's not uncommon for children to develop plaque behind their front teeth and around their back teeth. These areas are easy to miss when brushing, particularly when your child takes on the responsibility of brushing their own teeth. Plaque clings to the teeth and can damage the enamel, which can lead to decay. Your child's dentist can carefully scrape away any plaque in the same way they would remove plaque from an adult's teeth. The treatment is quick and painless and can prevent cavities and gum irritation from occurring.

Fluoride Varnish

When your child gets some of their adult teeth through, your dentist may offer to apply a fluoride varnish to them. This varnish helps strengthen the enamel on the treated teeth and can protect your child's enamel from being eroded by sugar acid and harmful bacteria. Fluoride varnish is painted on with a fine brush and is undetectable. It can last for a few months, and your child may be offered it at each routine check-up.

Fissure Sealants

When your child develops their first molars the dentist may recommend fissure sealants. The chewing surfaces of newly emerged molars tend to have larger fissures in them than are present on the molars of adults. This is because years of chewing wear down the chewing surfaces of your molars. If your child has deep fissures on their molars, the dentist may recommend fissure sealants. A fissure sealant is a type of plastic coating that is painted onto the surface of the tooth much in the same way fluoride varnish is applied. The sealant is clear and hardens to create a protective barrier that keeps food debris and bacteria from getting trapped in deep fissures.

You will always be asked to grant permission for any dental treatment your dentist recommends for your child, but it's a good idea to involve your child in any decisions relating to their oral health, as this can help develop a positive association with dental appointments and encourage them to be proactive about their oral hygiene.

Contact a childrens dentistry for more info.