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Children should have their first dental visit within six months of getting their first tooth or by their first birthday. During this initial visit, the dentist will assess your child’s oral health and development and help you establish a regular dental care routine. As your child grows, they will need different types of dental treatments to keep their teeth healthy. Here are some of the most common dental treatments that children may need:
Dental Cleanings and Exams
Children should have their teeth professionally cleaned and examined at least twice a year, or as recommended by their dentist. During a cleaning, the dentist or dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your child’s teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth, and tartar is hardened plaque. If tartar isn’t removed, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. During an exam, the dentist will check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay. Children may need fluoride treatments if they have a high risk of tooth decay, live in an area with low levels of fluoride in the water, or don’t have access to fluoridated water. Fluoride treatments can be in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish that is applied to the teeth. They can also be given as a rinse or in tablet form.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the back teeth (molars), which are more likely to develop cavities. Sealants protect the teeth by sealing out food and plaque. They are most often used for children who have deep grooves in their molars, as these grooves can be difficult to clean.
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can damage the teeth. It is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar or calculus. Tartar can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Gum disease is treated by removing plaque and tartar from the teeth. This can be done with a professional cleaning or a deep cleaning. In some cases, gum disease may require more aggressive treatment, such as surgery. Gum disease is usually treated by a dentist or a periodontist
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a procedure that is used to remove stains and discoloration from the teeth. Whitening can be done at home with over-the-counter products, or it can be done by a dentist. Dental whitening is usually done in two visits. The first visit is to make impressions of the teeth, which are used to make custom-fit bleaching trays. The second visit is to place the bleaching trays over the teeth and apply the bleaching gel. Whitening can be done in one or two hours, depending on the severity of the stains.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is used to correct teeth that are crooked or misaligned. It can also be used to treat problems with the bite. Orthodontic treatment can be done with braces, which are metal brackets that are attached to the teeth and held in place with wires. Braces can be worn for a few months to a few years, depending on the severity of the problem.
Invisalign is another type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners instead of braces. Aligners are custom-made and fit snugly over the teeth. They are changed every two weeks to gradually move the teeth into the correct position. Orthodontic treatment can be done by a dentist, an orthodontist, or a combination of both. The type of treatment used will depend on the severity of the problem and your child’s preference.
Whether you are in New York or Texas, it’s important to find a good and friendly dentist to take care of your children. Your orthodontist in NYC should be board-certified, have a clean facility, and be priced in a range you can afford.
Mouth Guards
Mouthguards are important for children who play sports. They help protect the teeth from being knocked out or damaged. Mouthguards should be worn during any contact sport, such as football or hockey.
Crowns Treatment
A crown is a covering that encases the entire tooth. Crowns are used to restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay or injury. They can also be used to support a tooth with a large filling, to protect a tooth that has had root canal treatment, or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth. The type of crown used will depend on the location of the tooth and your child’s preference.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
These are just a few of the dental treatments that children should undergo. It’s important to start them early on so that they can develop good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. Schedule an appointment today with an orthodontist in NYC to get your child’s dental problem fixed.
