SE Calgary Children Dentist

Dental sealants are thin protective barriers that are typically applied on the deep grooved areas of back teeth, making grooves less deep and therefore less likely to retain plaque and food particles. Sealants are often used on children to seal out food and bacteria that can cause cavities. Sealants are a fast, simple, and painless procedure that protects against tooth decay. They are often administered at the same time as fluoride treatments, which can also help prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel. Applying fluoride is also a quick and easy procedure that is applied in the form of a highly concentrated rinse, foam, gel, or varnish, which is then absorbed into the enamel making teeth more resistant to decay.

Children are at especially high risk for dental cavities. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children. At Forest Lane Dental Clinic, our team is here to help you and your child every step of the way on the road to optimal oral health and wellness. Cavities are the result of specific types of bacteria producing acid, which destroys the tooth’s enamel and dentin, its underlying layer. The acids remove minerals from the enamel, leading to a cavity. The best way to help prevent your child from forming cavities is by having them brush their teeth at least twice daily, floss once daily, use fluoridated toothpaste as recommended by their dentist, and use antibacterial mouth rinses to reduce the levels of bacteria.

Space maintainers are commonly recommended for children to prevent their neighboring teeth from shifting or tipping into vacant spaces when they gradually lose their primary or “baby” teeth. Space maintainers are used to ensure that future permanent teeth will come in straight and not be affected by any tilted primary teeth, therefore helping to prevent possible future dental treatments. Space maintainers are custom-made dental appliances created in the form of a band or a temporary crown specifically for your child. Made out of acrylic or metal material, they are attached to one side of the space left by a lost tooth. When your child’s permanent teeth start coming in, the space maintainer is then removed by your dentist so that your child’s permanent teeth can come in straight.