Children’s Dental Care from Your Reno Family Dentist
Posted March 30, 2012 by Wager-Evans Dental
As general and cosmetic dentists, Dr. William Wager and Dr. Brian Evans promote a family-friendly dentist office in Reno. In fact, our entire staff at Wager Evans Dental loves to see our younger patients. Children without access to dental care often suffer with tooth decay. Untreated cavities cause pain and discomfort and may affect your child’s ability to speak or eat properly. Furthermore, oral health problems may distract your children from learning in school, too. At Wager Evans Dental, we take preventive measures to combat childhood tooth decay and keep children’s mouths healthy.
Fluoride Treatments
Teeth are surrounded by tooth enamel. This protective layer is composed of minerals. As the strongest substance in the human body, tooth enamel prevents bacteria from eating away at your child’s teeth. However, strong acid can weaken enamel. When enamel is damaged, bacteria attack the exposed part of the tooth. When our younger patients experience enamel loss or erosion, we prescribe fluoride treatments. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps replenish tooth enamel. We may apply topical fluoride in a great tasting flavor directly to your child’s teeth after a dental cleaning. We also recommend that you purchase fluoridated toothpastes with the American Dental Association’s seal of approval.
Sealants
Dental sealants help reduce the incidence of childhood tooth decay. When your child’s back molars erupt the gum line, sealants are normally applied over the deep fissures. These grooves present on the molars make cleaning back teeth and removing plaque very difficult for children. Sealants fill in these grooves and prevent debris and bacteria from collecting on these teeth. Minimally invasive, applying a sealant is a quick process. Dr. Wager or Dr. Evans will brush a thin, liquid plastic coating onto the molars and then use a light to harden the sealant.
We recommend that children receive their first dental cleaning between the ages of four and five. Remember to schedule dental examinations and cleanings every six months. To schedule an appointment, contact our Reno dentist office at (775) 800-4845. We serve patients from Dayton, Lawton, Fernley, Spanish Springs, and the surrounding Reno communities.