Preventive care
Prevention is essential at every age. However, this aspect of dental care, both professional and personal, takes on particular importance in the case of children. Not only are their growing mouths vulnerable to microbial action, but this is a crucial period for the development of good habits. That's why, at the Centre dentaire Taschereau in Brossard, we offer preventive services tailored to children's specific needs.
Regular visits in early childhood
A dental visit within six months of the appearance of the first milk teeth. That's what the Canadian Dental Association recommends. Although this may seem early, as not all teeth have erupted, the dentist is in a position to monitor oral growth and ensure that there are no diseases or conditions. He or she will check these elements (the health and development of oral structures) at subsequent appointments. These should take place every six months from the age of three, at which point he or she also benefits from other preventive care (cleaning and fluoride application).
Components of a pediatric dental examination
Checking growth and development: the dentist looks at the level and degree of growth of bone structures and teeth. He also checks the location of these on the jaws and the space they have to develop. In this way, he can see if everything is following a regular curve, and thus identify potential problems of dental alignment or occlusion. If necessary, he can refer you for orthodontic treatment.
Cleaning and fluoride application: the other preventive treatments in a routine visit
From the age of three, little patients are also entitled to simple but important preventive care: professional cleaning and fluoride application. The former aims to remove all the residues and deposits that accumulate on teeth despite daily hygiene, thereby controlling bacterial sources. Fluoride, applied as a flavored gel, helps mineralize enamel. This strengthens dental defences against the action of decay-causing microbes.
Preventing oral disease in children: the importance of good habits
To prevent the onset of oral diseases such as early childhood caries, it's very important to maintain good practices at home. While oral hygiene is the parents' responsibility when the child is still small, teach him how to do it as he grows. You should also monitor your child's consumption of foods and drinks containing sugar, such as milk, especially between meals and at bedtime. These are good ways to limit the action of harmful bacteria!
