Protecting Your Child’s Smile From Tooth Decay

Studies show that children and teens lose an estimated 51 million school hours each year to dental problems. For this reason, it is important to be proactive about your maintaining your child’s oral health. By placing an emphasis on preventive care, you can help to keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong. At the office of Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA, we provide state-of-the-art approaches to maintain a cavity-free smile. We offer extra protection against tooth decay with dental sealants and fluoride treatments, so that your child can spend more time learning and having fun, and less time in the dentist’s chair.

Although cavities can occur at any age, due to lifestyle and dietary habits, children are especially susceptible. At our office, our goal is to help children establish a strong foundation for a lifetime of oral health. As your child’s dentist, we provide engaging and information instruction in oral hygiene techniques, the importance of a nutritious diet, as well guidance on which harmful oral habits to avoid.

During every checkup visit, we perform a comprehensive examination of the teeth, gums along with their supporting structures and provide a professional dental cleaning. As an added level of protection against tooth decay, we often recommend periodic fluoride treatments and the placement of dental sealants. Fluoride is a mineral that is periodically applied to the surfaces of teeth to strengthen the teeth and accelerate the remineralization of tooth enamel. When the permanent back teeth come into place, we also provide dental sealants, which are proven to reduce the risk of cavities in your child’s molars by 80%. The back teeth are responsible for grinding and chewing most of your food, and can be difficult to clean, making them a favorite spot for bacteria and food particles to hide out. Dental sealants are protective coatings, painted on the biting surfaces of your child’s permanent molars, to prevent plaque and food debris from accumulating in the crevices.

At the office of Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA, we set your child on the right path towards achieving a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. As skilled and experienced providers of dental care for children, we make each checkup visit a positive and rewarding experience. To learn more, give us a call today.

By Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA

December 23, 2019