Dentistry for Kids![]() Dental SealantsCavity development happens in approximately 42% of children from ages 2 to 11. cavities are common in the molars which are used for chewing and are located at the very back of the mouth. Dental sealants aim to help prevent cavities from forming in these teeth by acting as a shield against bacteria. A sealant is a thin, plastic coating that is painted on the cusp of the tooth. This simple procedure has been proven to prevent 80% of cavities for up to two years. Our team highly recommends this for children. Applying dental sealants is a non-invasive procedure, so the child will not miss school days or extracurricular activities as a result of getting dental sealants. Fluoride TreatmentFluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral found in many of our foods and beverages. It is also a useful tool in fighting tooth decay. Every day, our teeth lose and gain minerals through the processes of demineralization and remineralization. If the process of demineralization exceeds that of remineralization tooth decay will occur. Professional fluoride treatment allows us to supplement the process of remineralization and prevent potential decay. It can even reverse minor instances of decay. Fluoride treatment is particularly beneficial for patients at a greater risk of tooth decay, such as children and teens. Emergency Dental CareAccidents can happen, and that is why we are prepared for when a dental emergency occurs. To prepare for a dental emergency, assemble an emergency kit containing gauze, sterilizing alcohol wipes, dental wax, flashlight, cotton balls, and the phone number to our office. Dental emergencies can include severe toothaches, teeth that have been knocked out, teeth that have been chipped or cracked, pain caused by wisdom teeth, missing fillings, and severe oral infections. Dental ExamsChildren, teens, and adults should have routine exams every 6 months. The advantages for a child visiting regularly are to get the child used to visiting the dentist and ensure the child’s teeth are developing correctly and they do not have oral health issues. Additionally, a child exposed to the dentist frequently is more likely to continue routine visits into adulthood and keep up on their oral hygiene when there is nobody that can tell them to do so, therefore, it is important to keep up on these important habits for a lifetime of healthy teeth. A typical dental exam will consist of analyzing the condition of the mouth, cleaning, applying dental sealant, and teaching the child about proper oral hygiene at home. Is Your Child Due For a Check-Up?If more than six months have passed since your child’s last dentist visit, our team at Chicago Dental Esthetics is ready to provide reliable oral care for your child. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our professionals or ask any questions, you can call our office at (224) 341-5162, where we can schedule an appointment with our professionals who can propose a treatment plan for your child’s oral health. |