How a Kid Friendly Dentist Helps to Prevent Dental Issues

A kid-friendly dentist can help prevent dental concerns in children. This includes the prevention of weakened enamel, dental cavities, gum disease, and more. This review discusses the ways in which a kid-friendly dentist can help prevent these concerns, which typically includes preventive treatment options and educational services.

Types of dental issues a kid-friendly dentist can help prevent

The best way to deal with oral health concerns is through prevention. A kid-friendly dentist can significantly reduce the risk of common oral health concerns that children experience through specialized care and preventive services. The following is an in-depth review of each type of dental issue a kid-friendly dentist can help prevent in children.

Weakened enamel

Weakened enamel occurs when bacteria react with sugar and other particles from foods and drinks and creates an acidic reaction. This acidic reaction breaks down the enamel and causes it to become discolored. A kid-friendly dentist can prevent weakened enamel by helping the child develop a consistent oral care routine and diet, as well as through preventive services such as fluoride treatment.

Dental cavities

When weakened enamel is not treated promptly, it can worsen and develop into dental cavities. Dental cavities require more extensive treatments such as a dental filling or baby root canal. A kid-friendly dentist can help prevent dental cavities in a similar way as they would prevent weakened enamel, in addition to services such as dental sealants to add additional teeth protection.

Gum disease

Periodontal (gum) disease develops in a similar way as dental cavities. Kid-friendly dentists work to prevent gum disease by teaching children how to gently brush over their gums during their oral care routine. Additionally, they encourage them to use mouthwash and floss daily.

Dental trauma

Dental trauma can occur in numerous ways. Children often are at a higher risk of dental trauma as they are typically more active. This includes playing sports, playing on the playground, and jumping on trampolines. While dental trauma is not always a preventable issue, a kid-friendly dentist can help educate children on the importance of playing safely for both their oral health and general health. They can also encourage the use of a mouthguard during sports and other physical activities.

Early tooth loss

When cavities and dental trauma occur in children, it can lead to the loss of a tooth. The ultimate goal is for children to keep their baby teeth for as long as possible. This allows for a more ideal development of their permanent teeth. Dentists protect against early tooth loss by helping children develop a consistent oral hygiene routine and through a range of other preventive services. If necessary, a kid-friendly dentist can perform tooth extraction or replace a lost permanent tooth.