The Smile Daily

When it comes to visiting the dentist, many children are uneasy. They might be wary of the x-ray machine, or the sounds the dental tools make.

Unfortunately, these fears are probably due to previous experiences. Maybe the office was cold, the staff unfriendly, or the dentist didn’t explain the procedure in “kid terms.” All of these experiences can turn any routine checkup into a nightmare for a child. Heck even us adults would be turned off, right? The good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way.

Here at Norge Dental Center, we earn our “family dentist” title by building an entire experience just for children. We understand the fears associated with visiting the dentist for the first time, or even the 10th. Our pediatric wing will make kids feel right at home with TVs, headphones, and blankets for comfort. If it’s your child’s first time to Norge, we take them on a grand tour, or as we like to call it, a Happy Visit. This includes a ride in the dental chair, meeting Mr. Thirsty, counting teeth, learning about Douglas (the Tooth Fairy’s pet), and educating them on the best brushing/flossing techniques.

Speaking of those brushing habits, let’s talk about ages 6-14, when kiddos are the most cavity prone.

During this time they are still developing proper brushing and flossing habits, and tend to pay more attention to the candy aisles at the grocery store. Because there are so many tiny cracks and grooves in teeth, a toothbrush might not reach all of them, leaving the teeth exposed to the development of decay. This is especially true for their back teeth (molars), which are uneven and a good place for bacteria to hide.

Not to worry, sealants are here to save the day! Sealants are a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth. It bonds to the tiny cracks and grooves forming a superhero-like shield to prevent food from getting in, and plaque from developing. The entire process only takes a few minutes, and is entirely painless.

Sealants last anywhere between three to five years. Keep in mind that they only do their job correctly while fully intact, so make sure to keep regular appointments with your dentist.

If you’re wondering how effective sealants are at preventing cavities, we’re glad you asked! Studies say sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80 percent in molars. If any of your child’s teeth are showing early signs of decay, sealants can still be applied over them to prevent further damage. Talk about a win- take that Mr. Cavity!

For more information on preventative measures you can take to help ensure your child’s oral health, call our office today to book their first appointment. We’ll perform an initial exam, and give you all the information you need to be heavily armed in the fight against cavities.