Finding time to schedule a visit to the dentist office during the school year can be difficult. As summer comes to a close, now is the best time to bring your child in for a check-up! At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we want to send your child to school with a bright, healthy smile. Scheduling an appointment at our dentist office before school may also prevent your child from having to miss school later.
Dr. Matthew L. Bridges provides excellent, comprehensive preventative care for patients of all ages. Our practice provides a variety of preventative treatments and teaches your child healthy oral habits for the upcoming school year. Continue reading to learn more or call our office today at (580) 255-4880 to set up an appointment and discuss what treatments will be helpful for your child.
Preventative Treatments for Children
We believe prevention is the best policy when it comes to your child’s oral health. At our Duncan, OK dentist office, we provide any of the following treatments during your child’s appointment:
- Routine Exam: Bridges will check for proper development of your child’s teeth, gums, and surrounding structures and look for any signs of tooth decay.
- Regular Cleaning: To help prevent cavities and plaque build-up and support gum health, regular professional cleanings are extremely important.
- Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride works to strengthen the tooth enamel (the outer protective layer of the teeth) and stop the growth of harmful bacteria.
- Cavity Detection: As part of the routine oral exam, Dr. Bridges will look for any signs of cavities in your child’s teeth.
- Dental Sealants: To combat cavities, a thin, plastic coating can be painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This protective shield bond to the teeth to prevent tooth decay.
- Orthodontic Spacers: If a child loses a tooth too soon, their other teeth may begin to shift or space out into the extra room. Spacers are small and unobtrusive and help keep their teeth in their correct spots.
- Orthodontic Assessments: Based on Dr. Bridge’s examination, he may decide that your child needs orthodontic treatment. If that is the case, he will refer you to an orthodontist for a full assessment.
Creating Healthy Oral Habits at Home
Dr. Bridges and his team want to work with parents to help their children create healthy oral hygiene habits at home. We love teaching our patients how to care for their teeth! Here are a few tips that will help them maintain healthy, beautiful smiles:
- Brush at least twice a day. We will demonstrate for your child how to get to the most difficult parts of their mouth, so no tooth is left out! Proper brushing techniques are extremely important for keeping damaging bacteria at bay.
- Floss once a day. Flossing gets to the crevices between the teeth more a toothbrush can. It is also helpful for maintaining healthy gums.
- Keep a healthy diet. Children rely on their parents to feed them nutritious food. We can help you find foods that your child will enjoy and that will help keep their teeth healthy.
- Visit our office for regular dental cleanings. If your child gets into the habit of visiting the dentist every six months now, he or she will be more likely to continue coming when they are old enough to set up their own appointments. Now is the time to help them form healthy habits!
Schedule a Back-to-School Appointment Today!
Preventative care is necessary and important for your child’s oral health. Start teaching them healthy habits like regular dental cleanings and good school attendance by scheduling their appointment before school starts! Give us a call today at (580) 255-4880 or contact us online to make an appointment with Dr. Bridges. We look forward to seeing you and your child soon!
