Dentistry for Kids
You already know just how important it is for you to brush and floss your teeth every day. You also know the importance of regular professional cleanings and exams. Were you aware, though, that these very same oral care habits are just as important for your kids? Along with daily brushing and flossing, your child needs to have their teeth professionally cleaned and examined at least twice a year. At Smiles by Shrenna Clifton, DDS, we provide the dental services that your child needs to maintain the health of their mouth and prevent serious oral health issues from arising.
Cleanings and Exams
Just like adults, children should have their teeth cleaned and examined at least twice a year. Their cleaning begins with removing all buildup from the surfaces of their teeth. Using a specialized tool, we can scrape away the most stubborn plaque, tartar, bacteria and other debris from all surfaces above and around the gum line. We can reach the areas that your child may miss when they brush. After scraping their teeth clean, we use a special dental polish to give their teeth a beautiful, clean shine.
After we clean their teeth, we move on to examining their mouth. During the oral exam, we check their teeth for signs of damage, decay, and cavities. Their gums are looked over for signs of redness and swelling, which can be indicative of an infection. We also look at their other oral tissues and check their bite for alignment. Once the visual inspection is over, we discuss with your child. For young children, we have this discussion with you. We talk about oral care habits at home and the importance of brushing and flossing every day. If needed, we can provide tips on how to improve these habits. When speaking with your child, we are careful to use words that are not scary and speak in ways that they will understand.
Along with regular maintenance, we provide additional preventative treatments to help protect little teeth against decay and cavities. One way we can do this is with sealants. Sealants are a treatment made up of plastic and other materials that are applied to the surfaces of your molars. They are designed to cover over the deep grooves on these teeth, which can often be difficult for children to clean properly, preventing the buildup of bacteria and food particles. Applications are quick and easy, and completely pain-free. Along with preventing buildup, sealants also make the teeth easier to clean.
Another treatment we offer is fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral in the teeth that helps to protect the enamel against the acid attacks from plaque, bacteria. It also protects the teeth against acidic foods and drinks. Fluoride is lost and replaced daily, through treated water, fluoridated oral care products and even in trace amounts in some foods. However, most children do not get enough. Fluoride treatments are quick and painless and restore essential fluoride to the teeth. A fluoride gel is applied to the surfaces of your teeth and left there. The fluoride absorbs directly into the enamel, remineralizing the teeth.
X-rays are an essential component of a healthcare record. These images provide a glimpse at the hidden structures inside the mouth, including the roots of the teeth, developing adult teeth, the jawbone and more. They allow us to monitor growth and development and determine the risk for certain issues, including the need for orthodontic treatment. In our office, we use digital x-ray technology, which greatly reduces exposure to radiation, a feature that can ease the fears of many parents.
Establishing a good oral hygiene routine, complete with regular dental visits, will help your child maintain their oral health well into their adult years. For more information, or to schedule an appointment for your child, call Smiles by Shrenna Clifton, DDS today at (470) 400-2001.
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State-of-the-art dental care for your whole family.
166 Jefferson Pkwy
Newnan, GA 30263
Call: (470) 400-2001