Kids Dental Care

When kids are growing, there are so many changes in their mouth. Kids need close monitoring of not only dental cavities and brushing habits, but also development of jaw bone and eruption of permanent teeth. Sometimes, grinding teeth at night and/or having hard time sleeping is related to the airway obstruction ,which affects dental development significantly.
Also untreated cavities in baby teeth often result in space loss for the permanent teeth, they come in wrong position or don’t come in at all ending up complicated orthodontic or surgical treatment later on.

Fluoride is a natural mineral that builds strong teeth and prevents cavities. It’s been an essential oral health treatment for decades. Fluoride supports healthy tooth enamel and fights the bacteria that harm teeth and gums. Tooth enamel is the outer protective layer of each tooth.
Fluoride is especially helpful if you’re at high risk of developing dental caries, or cavities. Cavities occur when bacteria build up on teeth and gums and form a sticky layer of plaque. Plaque produces an acid that erodes teeth and gum tissue. If the plaque breaks down the enamel layer, bacteria can infect and harm the nerves and blood at the core of the tooth. If you have a high risk of getting cavities, we can apply fluoride directly to your teeth during your dental visit with a gel. The treatment may be applied with a swab, brush, tray, or mouthwash.
These treatments have much more fluoride than what’s in your water or toothpaste. They only take a few minutes to apply. You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after the treatment so the fluoride can fully absorb.

Brushing and flossing are the best ways to help prevent cavities, but it’s not always easy to clean every nook and cranny of your teeth – especially those back teeth you use to chew (called molars). Molars are rough, uneven and a favorite place for leftover food and cavity-causing bacteria to hide.
Still, there’s another safety net to help keep those teeth clean. It’s called a sealant, and it is a thin, protective coating (made from plastic or other dental materials) that adheres to the chewing surface of your back teeth. They’re no substitute for brushing and flossing, but they can keep cavities from forming and may even stop early stages of decay from becoming a full-blown cavity.
In fact, sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. This is especially important when it comes to your child's dental health. In October 2016, the Centers for Disease Control released a report on the importance of sealants for school-aged children, of which only 43% of children ages 6-11 have. According to the CDC, "school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants."
Is There BPA In Sealants? Yes, there is a tiny amount of BPA in sealants but not enough to cause you or a loved one any harm. In fact, you get more exposure to BPA by simply touching a receipt, using cosmetics or coming in contact with dust.

Some patients who have active tooth decay may be eligible for an alternative treatment that uses Silver Diamine Fluoride. FDA approved in August of 2014, SDF became commercially available to dental professionals in April of 2015 as Advantage Arrest by Elevate Oral Care. Compared to a traditional filling that requires shots of local anesthetic and drilling of tooth structure, this treatment is non-invasive and more comfortable for the patient. It is a liquid that is simply brushed on to the cavity that can stop current decay and also prevent new decay in the future.
This technique is very exciting for young, fearful or pre-cooperative children, special needs patients, and medically compromised individuals who may otherwise require sedation for traditional dental restorations such as fillings or crowns.
Pros: SDF has very low toxicity, it is quick, painless, non-invasive, affordable, and can stop tooth decay and help prevent recurrent decay.
Cons:
SDF permanently stains cavities black. SDF does not restore tooth form or function, so large holes that trap food may still eventually require a filling or traditional restorations. SDF requires repeat application for maximum efficacy.
SDF can not be used in the presence of infection or decay into the nerve.