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Children’s Preventative Dentistry: Growing Strong Smiles

Is there anything better than a child’s smile? We don’t think so! From gummy baby grins to gap-toothed second grade smiles, nothing brings as much joy to a room as the smile on a joyful kiddo! To help protect these precious teeth as they grow, we here at Affiliated Dentists in Madison, Wisconsin offer a wide range of children’s preventative dentistry services to stop decay and other dental issues before they even start. 
  • Get a Strong Start with Tooth-Healthy Habits and Guidance
  • Stay Squeaky Clean with Regular Check-ups and Exams
  • Fortify Enamel with Fluoride and Sealants

Get a Strong Start with Tooth-Healthy Habits and Guidance

Is your baby’s first tooth poking through? Believe it or not, it’s time to see the dentist! As part of children’s preventative dentistry, your child’s dentist will support you by giving guidance on teething, tooth-friendly feeding, tooth brushing, and thumb sucking to ensure your child’s teeth are kept healthy and clean as he or she grows. Your little one’s dentist is an important part of his or her care team and your support system.  Bonus: Having your child get used to visiting the dentist early on and regularly will help reduce any future anxiety he or she might have about dental appointments. 

Stay Squeaky Clean with Regular Check-ups and Exams

Another important part of children’s preventative dental care are regular teeth cleanings and oral exams. These cleanings, which usually are every six months, are essential for preventing cavities, which may be more common than you think. (The CDC reports that over half of children ages 6 to 8 have had a cavity!)  At these cleanings, decay-causing plaque is removed from the surface of your child’s teeth. It’s not unusual for children, especially little ones, to miss spots when brushing. Regular professional cleanings ensure that areas aren’t routinely overlooked, which could develop into larger issues of cavities or gingivitis.  Oral exams by the dentist are also critical in spotting problems before they become bigger or costlier. Your dentist can also help identify other health issues that may be negatively impacting your child’s dental health.

Fortify Enamel with Fluoride and Sealants

At these check-ups, your child will also receive fluoride treatments and sealants, both of which have been instrumental in preventing cavities in children. During the fluoride treatment, a topical fluoride is applied to the surfaces of your child’s teeth, which makes the tooth enamel stronger and more resistant to decay. You will also have the option of having sealants placed on your child’s molars. These thin pieces of plastic prevent up to 80% of cavities in the back teeth, where they are most likely to form. For further reading: Are Dental Sealants Safe for Kids? 

Keep an Eye on Tooth Development

Another important preventative measure in pediatric dentistry is tracking tooth and jaw development through routine x-rays. Your dentist will be able to spot any tooth development anomalies or future orthodontic issues your child may face down the road and refer to an orthodontic specialist. Early orthodontic intervention in some instances can reduce the time and money spent on tooth and jaw alignment. Your dentist will also fit your child for a mouth guard to protect developing teeth from the impact of youth sports.

Children’s Preventative Dentistry in Madison, Wisconsin

If you’re looking to establish dental care for your child, please contact us today. Along with other services, Affiliated Dentists provides pediatric dentistry in Madison, Wisconsin.

Growing Strong Smiles: Children’s Preventative Dentistry brought to you by Dr. Mark Gustavson

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East Office: (608) 222‑3231

West Office: (608) 274‑9077