By the time they turn age 17, 78 percent of children have had at least one cavity. Between the ages of 5 and 11, 20 percent of children have at least one untreated tooth with decay, which can impact their mood, self-confidence, and ability to focus and learn. At Petty Dental, we know your child’s healthy development and long-term well-being are important to you, and you can rest assured that we have the expertise and ability to ensure both. Plus, with many of our team members being parents of their own children, we know how to make little ones feel comfortable and at ease in the dentist’s chair.
As soon as your child reaches one year old, they can begin coming in to our office for gentle dental checkups every six months. This gives us an opportunity to make sure that their teeth are coming in normally and are staying free from cavities. As they grow, we will add in dental cleanings to remove built-up plaque and bacteria and prevent future tooth decay. We also take the time to teach your child how to care for their teeth at home so that they can develop necessary skills for lifelong oral health.
Although getting a fluoride treatment at a dental checkup and cleaning appointment can be beneficial for patients of every age, it can be particularly helpful for children, who are still learning to take care of their teeth. It’s common for them to miss spots as they clean, making them particularly susceptible to tooth decay. That’s why we offer fluoride treatments especially for our young patients to provide extra reinforcement for their developing smiles. Even if your child still has their baby teeth, this treatment can make a huge difference in your child’s dental health. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that a fluoride varnish can prevent up to 33 percent of cavities in baby teeth. At your child’s next checkup, ask to have a fluoride treatment for your child!
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Did you know that most cavities occur on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth? It makes sense—they do most of the grinding of food. Well, we can provide these vulnerable teeth with another layer of protection with dental sealants. This layer of plastic shields these cavity-prone surfaces on the molars and premolars from bacteria that cause tooth decay, helping your child avoid up to 80 percent of cavities. The best part about getting dental sealants for your child is that they can enjoy this extra defense for up to ten years during a time in life when they are particularly at risk for cavities. If your child’s premolars and molars have grown in, now is a great time to have dental sealants placed.
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Kids are very active and love learning how to play sports, but sometimes these activities can increase your child’s risk of a dental emergency, particularly where contact is common. That’s where a custom sports mouthguard comes in. We can furnish this protective oral appliance and make it completely comfortable for your child as they participate in their favorite sports. With a mouthguard in place, you can worry less about preserving their precious smile.
With Dr. Petty and our experienced, friendly staff, your child can feel right at home here in our dental office and get the care they need to keep their smile happy and healthy. Contact us to make an appointment for your loved one today!