Behaviours are formed at a young age; therefore, it is so important to instill healthy dental habits during the developmental years. At LG Dental Centre in North York, ON, Dr. Goldstein provides dental care for the entire family, including dentistry for children. From preventative care to restorative, our team can help address your unique dental needs. Today, we will discuss the most common treatments used in dentistry for kids.
When should I bring my child to the dentist?
Whether you see a pediatric dentist, or a general dentist focused on family dentistry, it is important to bring your child to dentist at a young age. In fact, the Canadian Dental Association recommends making your child’s first appointment by age one, or within six months of the eruption of his or her first tooth. Not only will this allow Dr. Goldstein to identify potential problems early on, it will also introduce your child to dentistry as a normal part of life, which can encourage healthy oral habits for years to come.
Cleanings and examinations
Two of the most important aspects of preventative dentistry are routine cleanings and dental examinations. This is especially true for children, who are often more susceptible to cavities. When you bring your child in for a dental appointment at our dental clinic at Yonge and Lawrence, Dr. Goldstein will perform a full assessment of his or her teeth, gums, jaw joints, and surrounding structures. If decay is detected early, it can typically be addressed easily before the problem progresses. During a routine dental cleaning, our hygienist will gently remove plaque, debris, and food particles, and will demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques for your child.
Fluoride treatment
Fluoride treatments are important for anyone prone to tooth decay, especially children. The plaque that accumulates around the teeth harbor bacteria. These bacteria feed on sugary and starchy foods and create an acidic environment in the mouth. In turn, these acids can erode the enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay and damage. Topical fluoride treatments work to re-mineralize enamel and reinforce the natural tooth structure. At our dental clinic, we provide fluoride treatments at every hygiene appointment.
Dental sealants
By nature, the back teeth have deep grooves and pits in the chewing surfaces. This type of anatomy tends to collect food and bacteria, which can eventually lead to cavities. Dental sealants shield the teeth with a protective layer, making them less vulnerable to bacteria and decay. To apply dental sealants, the teeth are thoroughly cleaned, and a clear, plastic-like material is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Sealants can last up to ten years with proper care and are an effective way to prevent cavities. It should be noted that sealants are not a substitute for adequate brushing and flossing. Therefore, we will encourage your child to develop proper oral hygiene habits at home.
The importance of baby teeth
Many patients mistakenly assume that baby teeth are not important. On the contrary, they are responsible for helping your child obtain adequate nutrition as well as helping them develop proper speech patterns. It is beneficial to preserve and protect baby teeth until they are ready to come out on their own, as they hold space for the adult teeth to erupt in the future, minimizing potential complications. Therefore, it is important to keep your child’s teeth healthy. If dental damage or decay does occur, we will discuss your restorative dental options with you.
Learn more about dentistry for children
If you are seeking dental care for children in Toronto, we sincerely hope you will pay us a visit at our practice, conveniently located at Yonge and Lawrence in North York. To schedule a consultation, call us at 416-224-8300 or contact us online anytime.