Preventive dentistry emphasises the importance of good oral hygiene and regular dental visits to prevent common dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. Effective preventive dentistry combines educating your children on the benefits of good oral hygiene practices alongside special treatments and advice by dental professionals.
At One Smile Oral Care, we believe that prevention always better than cure, therefore, we advise our patients to bring their children to the dentist in West Malling as soon as their first teeth have erupted or shortly after their first birthday. This way, we can look for signs of gum disease and tooth decay and establish a thorough oral health prevention program for your little one.
How to prevent tooth decay
Tooth decay is a common disease among children and is often caused by the accumulation of plaque on the teeth and beneath the gums as well as a diet high in sugars. Sugar is responsible for forming cavities in the teeth, which can lead to serious pain and even tooth loss if not treated. In some cases, cavities in your children’s milk teeth can compromise the growth and development of their permanent teeth.
After gently and thoroughly cleaning your child’s teeth, our dentist in West Malling will remove the decay and fill the cavities, restoring the tooth to a healthy state. Tooth decay can be prevented by a good oral hygiene regime, including thorough brushing and flossing, regular dental check-ups and a healthy and balanced diet. We also offer additional treatments to ensure that your child’s teeth will remain without cavities for longer.
Our preventive treatments: fluoride applications and dental sealants
For children whose teeth are more prone to tooth decay, we recommend fluoride applications. Fluoride is a mineral that when applied directly to the teeth under the vigilant eye of an experienced dentist in West Malling, it re-mineralises the enamel and prevents cavities from developing. Your dentist may also recommend fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash in order to prevent or treat tooth decay at its initial stage at home.
On the other hand, dentists may also recommend dental sealants. These are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the surface of the back teeth to protect against tooth decay.