Dr. Eric Buck and Dr. Hannah Burton, Dublin, OH family dentists, work hard to maintain your children’s oral health–just as you do! They advise parents to make routine exam and cleaning appointments a priority during the summer when school is not in session. It’s one less thing to do in the hectic fall season–and preventive dental care is so important.
Prevention is better and easier
Kids and their parents play a significant role in avoiding tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health problems. The American Dental Association tells us all to brush twice a day for 2 minutes with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss in between teeth once a day. Both at-home practices, remove plaque, freshen breath and combat tooth decay and gum disease. Of course, a nutritious, low-sugar diet lowers plaque formation and keeps smiles strong and bright.
Also, get regular exams and cleanings at Distinctive Smiles of Dublin twice a year. These procedures diagnose problems when they are less complex and costly to treat.
A routine pediatric appointment with your Dublin, OH dentist is really simple. The doctor updates your child’s medical history and discusses any concerns you or your child may have.
The dental hygienist gently and thoroughly scales teeth to remove sticky plaque and hard tartar. She checks for signs of gum disease–redness, bleeding, puffiness. Yes, kids have gum problems, too, just as adults do. Teens seem especially prone to it, says the American Academy of Periodontology, because of the hormonal fluctuations associated with puberty.
While few kids develop advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, establishing good gum habits early on avoids serious systemic health problems later on in life. Periodontitis is linked to:
- Type-2 diabetes
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- Alzheimer’s disease
- dementia
- arthritis
- pregnancy complications
- respiratory infections
- stroke
The pediatric dental exam at Distinctive Smiles of Dublin
It’s not so different from mom or dad’s check-up. The Dublin, OH dentist looks at gums, teeth and restorations such as fillings. He or she counts your child’s teeth, sees how they come together and how well the jaw joint functions.
The doctor uses modern digital x-rays to visualize tooth roots and bone structure as needed and to look for hidden decay. In-office fluoride treatments and dental sealants protect enamel from cavities.
Lastly, painless and quick oral cancer screening checks soft tissues (tongue, gums, palate,cheeks) for signs of this prevalent disease. Dental patients of all ages benefit from the easy exam.
Take time for dental health in the summer
Contact Distinctive Smiles of Dublin for your kids’ routine visits. Dr. Eric Buck and Dr. Hannah Burton and their staff creates a kid-friendly environment that makes appointments as easy and breezy as summer itself.