A Children’s Dentist Talks About 5 Easy Ways To Prevent Emergencies

August 5, 2019

Filed under: Uncategorized — guthrieddsteam @ 11:04 am

Happy little girl getting a dental examNo one wants to see their child in pain, and one of the best ways to keep your child healthy and happy is to help them maintain good oral health. While dental injuries and other emergencies can happen in a flash, there aresome proactive steps you can take to prevent them. By using the 5 strategies in this blog, you can avoid unexpected visits to a children’s dentist in Ardmore and minimize your child’s chances of cavities, injuries, and other painful issues. Learn more below!

1. Sealants

Unfortunately, even good brushing habits can’t prevent all cavities because cavity-causing bacteria collect in the deep grooves of the back teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Sealants are thin coatings (made of the same material used for tooth-colored fillings) that seal over these surfaces to prevent tooth decay from forming. They’re so effective that they’ve been estimated to prevent 80% of childhood cavities.

2. Mouthguards

If your child plays contact sports or recreational activities like skateboarding, a custom-made mouthguard is crucial to prevent visits to an emergency dentist in Ardmore. These appliances protect the tongue, lips, and cheeks, prevent knocked-out teeth, and have even been found to reduce the severity of concussions.

3. Fluoride

In addition to your child getting a professional fluoride treatment at their checkups, extra topical fluoride at home is a great way for kids to strengthen their enamel and prevent cavities. Just pick up a fluoride (or anti-cavity) mouthwash at the grocery store and have your child swish and spit after brushing and flossing. However, keep in mind that mouthwash is only recommended for kids over age 6.

4. Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Most people get their wisdom teeth between the ages of 15 – 25, so most dentists recommend taking a panoramic X-ray around age 15 to monitor the development of these teeth. When necessary, wisdom teeth extractions prevent multiple problems from developing later (e.g. oral infections, bite alignment issues, and crowding).

Also, if it turns out that your teen does need their wisdom teeth removed, summertime is perfect because they can recover without the added stress of school.

5. Good Oral Hygiene and Regular Checkups

And, as always, don’t underestimate the basics: brushing, flossing, and regular checkups. Even if your child’s oral hygiene habits at home aren’t perfect, encourage them to be as consistent as they can. Also, many kids benefit from electric toothbrushes, floss picks, and other helpful tools, so experiment to find what works best.

Finally, scheduling regular checkups with a children’s dentist  is the best way to make sure any small cavities or other problems are found early. They’re also a chance to find out if your child would benefit from any of the preventative procedures mentioned above.

Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to oral health. By taking these 5 steps, your child will have a great chance of maintaining their smile and minimizing the dental work they need.

About the Author

Dr. Jamie Guthrie  is a general and children’s dentist in Ardmore and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma School of Dentistry. As a mother herself, she knows how important it is to prevent dental problems and always provides her patients with helpful tips to make it easier. If you have any questions about your child’s oral health, she can be reached via her website.

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