|
By taking a few steps early in your baby's life, you can establish a pattern that will ensure your baby continues to have a healthy smile throughout his or her life. Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases, but in most cases it is very preventable with proper oral hygiene. With the use of fluoride varnishes, your dentist can help protect your child's teeth against tooth decay. Because children follow the habits and routines they learn during childhood, it is vital to instill good dental habits at an early age. So, begin now and establish a future of a healthy smile for your child. Begin Dental Health Care in Infancy A leading cause of tooth decay among young children is known as "baby bottle syndrome," which is when an infant is allowed to drink from a nursing bottle containing milk, formula or fruit juice during nap time or at night. When the baby falls asleep with the bottle in his or her mouth, the prolonged exposure to the sugars and acids in these liquids that pool around the teeth can cause discoloration and decay. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends bringing your child to the dentist before his or her first birthday. At your child's first dental visit, your dentist will: • Check your child's teeth for decay and signs of early developmental problems
• Explain how to care for your child's teeth
• Answer any questions or concerns you might have Cleaning a child's teeth should begin when the first tooth is visible, because teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they appear in the mouth. Wipe your baby's teeth and gums clean after every feeding with a soft, damp washcloth or gauze pad. Varnish Fluoride Treatment Traditional fluoride treatments are typically gels or foams that are delivered onto the surfaces of your child's teeth for a set amount of time before being removed. Your child is then instructed not to eat or drink for 30 minutes. Fluoride varnishes also deliver a topical application of fluoride, but in a different system. By using a stickier varnish method, fluoride is applied to the surfaces of your child's teeth. After the application of the fluoride varnish, your child will feel a sticky coating on his or her teeth. This coating will have a dark mustard color, and it is recommended that your child does not brush or floss for four to six hours to maximize the effectiveness of the fluoride varnish. Advantages of fluoride varnish include: • Easier for you and your child to tolerate
• Allows your child to eat and drink immediately after placement
• Have been clinically proven to be the most effective professional fluoride treatment available for cavities
• It is safer for your child due to less fluoride ingestion with the varnish than the gels and foams Application of the varnish fluoride can help prevent tooth decay from occurring and is a fairly simple procedure. Varnish fluoride is used to help in retaining the strength and to prevent any bacterial activity that can potentially damage the oral climate. In children where oral hygiene is not well maintained, application of fluoride varnish twice a year will go a long way in building stronger teeth and gums. Begin proper dental care for your child immediately, starting with a visit your Fenton dentist for assessment. You can pave the way for a lifetime of proper dental health for your child.
Sean Hartmen writes for general and Fenton family dentist, Dr. Thomas Kemlage. Nominated in January 2011 in the St. Louis Magazine as Top Dentist in area, as voted by his peers, Dr. Kemlage, dentist in Fenton, MO, offers services in teeth whitening, crowns, bridges and dentures.
|
