Children's Dentistry
Platte City, MO
Just like adults, children require regular dental care to prevent serious oral health issues. In addition to brushing and flossing, your child also requires professional treatment. However, the needs of your child are different from your own dental needs. Platte Valley Dental Care can provide your child with the care they need, helping them to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile that will last throughout adulthood, with children’s dentistry.
Cleanings and exams are an important part of maintaining optimal oral health for your child. Even baby teeth, or primary teeth, need proper care both at home and professionally. Cleanings and exams allow us to help your child prevent cavities and other oral health issues, helping to ensure a happy, healthy smile and to ensure the proper development of their adult teeth. With cleanings, we can remove all buildup from the surfaces of the teeth, including the areas that your child may not be able to clean properly at home. Exams allow us to look over their teeth and gums, checking for signs of issues such as decay and cavities. Detecting issues in their earliest stages help us to prevent your child from facing serious consequences. Exams also enable us to monitor the growth and development of their jaws and permanent teeth.
Sealants and fluoride are two treatments provided to help your child prevent cavities. These treatments are designed to be used in conjunction with regular brushing and flossing for optimal results. Sealants are an application that is placed over the chewing surfaces of the molars, where food and bacteria can get trapped in deep, hard to reach crevices. Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel of the teeth, allowing them to more effectively fight off acid erosion and prevent the formation of tooth decay.
Early OrthodonticsIt is recommended that your child have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. At this age, the adult teeth have begun to develop and may have even started erupting. An early orthodontic evaluation allows us to take a close look at the developing teeth and jaws of your child and determine the presence of, or likelihood for, orthodontic issues. This evaluation involves a thorough oral exam, including dental x-rays with an intraoral camera. With early orthodontics, we can spot potential problems and take action to prevent the need for more invasive orthodontic treatments later in life. We may recommend Invisalign for kids as a treatment option.
In some cases, early orthodontic treatments can help your child avoid the need for later orthodontic treatment altogether.
Dealing With Dental FearIt is not uncommon for children to be fearful of the dentist. When a child is frightened or anxious, it may be difficult for them to sit still or follow directions, both of which are essential for providing safe, effective dental care. There are ways to help your child relax and feel more at ease.
Before you come to the office, you can help to prepare your child. Talk to them early and answer their questions. Avoid giving too much information and using words like pain, shot, and hurt. You can even read books about going to the dentist and play pretend with your child to help prepare them.
In the office, we do everything we can to help make your child feel comfortable. We speak to them in a calm tone. We show them our tools and explain what they are used for before we do anything. Read more about a child's first dental visit.
If your child is having a dental emergency, it is important that you visit us as soon as possible to prevent infection, sensitivity and bone loss.
With dental services designed specifically for children, we can help your child maintain a happy, healthy, beautiful smile. For more information, and to schedule an appointment for your child, call Platte Valley Dental Care today at (816)858-2027. |
