Fortifying Primary Enamel Integrity

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Children often struggle to clean the deep pits and fissures located on the chewing surfaces of their posterior teeth. Our practice utilizes medical-grade dental sealants to create a microscopic physical barrier. This preventive measure significantly reduces the risk of caries by blocking food particles and acid-producing bacteria.

Does your child have deep grooves in their permanent molars that seem impossible to reach with a toothbrush? These anatomical features are the primary sites of occlusal caries, which are cavities that form on the biting surface. We apply a thin, polyacid-modified composite coating to smooth these areas. This treatment acts as a shield for the enamel, the hard outer layer of the tooth. Our team ensures the application is quick and painless for every patient.

Parents frequently notice that sealants provide peace of mind during the years when brushing habits are still developing.

The Biological Necessity of Preventive Barriers

Clinical research indicates that sealants can prevent up to 80% of cavities in the back teeth, where most decay occurs. When a pediatric specialist applies this resin, it flows into the microscopic unevenness of the tooth structure. This process is essential because the bristles of a standard toothbrush are often too thick to penetrate these deep valleys. By sealing these areas, we prevent colonization by Streptococcus mutans, the bacterium primarily responsible for tooth decay. Our office prioritizes BPA-free preventive materials to ensure the highest safety standards for developing children.

Are sealants uncomfortable for my child to receive?

The application process is very gentle and requires no drilling or removal of tooth structure. We simply clean the tooth and apply the protective layer, which our young patients find quite easy and stress-free.

How long will these protective coatings last on the molars?

These barriers typically protect the teeth for several years through the most cavity-prone stages of childhood. We monitor their condition during every routine checkup to ensure the seal remains intact and effective.

Schedule Your Protective Sealants Consultation

Maintaining a healthy smile requires proactive teamwork between parents and specialists. Contact Smiling Faces Pediatric Dentistry today to discuss how we can protect your child’s growing smile. Click here to book your appointment.

What Problems Do Pediatric Dentists Check for During Exams?

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Kids need routine dental exams for healthy teeth and gums as they grow. But what exactly do dentists look for during these visits? Our dentists in Oklahoma City and Midwest City, OK, at Smiling Faces Pediatric Dentistry check for the following oral health issues and other problems when you bring your child in for an exam.

Cavities and Tooth Decay

Kids can easily develop these issues in baby teeth and permanent teeth. We look for signs of decay or cavities, such as holes in teeth or discoloration.

Gum Inflammation

During exams, our dental team looks for signs of gum problems, such as reddish gums, that may indicate gingivitis or gum disease.

Bite or Alignment Problems

During dental exams in Midwest City and Oklahoma City, OK, we also check your child’s jaws and teeth for signs of misalignment or bite issues, like overbites.

Abnormalities

Our dentist looks for any oral health conditions or symptoms that need treatment, such as abnormal growths or sores.

Daily Habits

Does your child suck their thumb or grind their teeth? We look for any visible signs of damage or other issues that these habits may cause.

Oral Hygiene Practices

Does your child brush and floss daily? During an exam, we go over habits they can build to keep their teeth and gums healthy. We can provide you with guidance on the best ways to help your child build these habits.

Visit Our Pediatric Dentists for an Exam!

Is your child due for their next checkup at the dentist? At Smiling Faces Pediatric Dentistry, we offer dental exams in Oklahoma City and Midwest City, OK, to check on your child’s teeth and catch problems early for prompt care!

 

3 Benefits of Space Maintainers

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A space maintainer in Midwest City, OK, is a specialized device that holds teeth apart so that permanent teeth can erupt. In some cases, the device is a permanent fixture until the new teeth come in. In others, it’s a removable fixture. Here, we’ll look at why you might invest in one for your child.

1. It Gives You Some Breathing Room

Most people assume that when a baby tooth is lost, the new one will immediately come right in. The truth is that it can take up to six months for this to happen. Space maintainers will hold the teeth apart, so it’s less likely the other teeth will slip or shift in.

2. It Can Save You Money

Don’t want to pay for braces or clear aligners when your child is a teen? We don’t blame you! With space aligners, you can potentially avoid crooked teeth, which can help ensure proper alignment as your kid gets older.

3. It Promotes Long-Term Health

It’s not easy to care for teeth that are crowded or crooked. With space maintainers, you can help your child achieve a natural, healthy smile, making it easier to brush and floss. This way, they don’t have to worry about missing bits of food or bacteria because they’re hiding within a crowded section of the mouth.

There are a number of space maintainers available, including band and loop or transpalatal arch. Because every child’s teeth are different, it helps to talk to a qualified dentist in Midwest City, OK about what’s best for your kid. At Smiling Faces Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here to help you figure it all out, no matter how your child’s teeth grow in.