Back to School Check Up

It’s important for everyone to get bi-annual check-ups at the dentist and children especially need professional cleanings and consultations. If decay is allowed to go untreated, they can encounter serious problems at school. Fortunately, it’s still early enough in the year for children to avoid having their development derailed by tooth aches.

“Caries” is how doctors describe small instances of tooth decay. Children are the demographic that is at highest risk for them. The latest information from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention found that untreated tooth decay is very common in children, occurring in 13% of teenagers and 20% of preteens. The effects of tooth aches can be severe: missed sleep, reluctance to eat, difficulty speaking, difficulty focusing, and grouchiness. But while tooth decay is common, it can also be prevented with sealants, such as those we can provide our patients, and by regular oral hygiene. Tooth decay does not get better on its own, so to prevent children from needing more extensive restorations later in the year, they should get everything taken care of now. We can also ascertain whether the child will need wisdom tooth extractions.

Dr. Archana Lankupalli operates ProSmiles Dental at 9400 Clifford Street, Suite 110, Fort Worth, Texas, 76108. To schedule an appointment, call 817-369-8000 or visit WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a natural mineral found throughout the earth’s crust and widely distributed in nature and is often added to water to help reduce tooth decay. Research has shown that fluoride not only reduces cavities in children and adults, but it also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay before it is even visible. Fluoride could be delivered in different forms, but here at Prosmiles Dental, our doctors can discuss professional fluoride treatments to see if you are a prime candidate.

Fluoride is found naturally in soil, water, foods, and several minerals. When present at the right level, fluoride in drinking water has two beneficial effects: preventing tooth decay and contributing to healthy bones. The type of fluoride we utilize at our practice is called topical fluoride. Topical fluoride is applied directly to and absorbed by the surface of the teeth. It may be applied as a foam or gel after a professional cleaning and can additionally be found in personal oral hygiene products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses.

If you have questions about fluoride or fluoride treatment, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.prosmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Prosmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.