Each time your child visits us for a checkup, we will provide a professional teeth cleaning and dental exam to help their teeth stay healthy. During your child’s visit, our dental team will remove any plaque or tartar (also called dental calculus), which could otherwise lead to tooth decay.

As a preventative treatment, our team may also suggest fluoride for those children at risk of decay. Topical fluoride may be applied to help strengthen the enamel and protect from decay. We may also recommend fluoride supplements if your child is not getting the fluoride they need from their diet or community water.

Lastly, our dentist may recommend dental sealants to the chewing surfaces of your child’s back molars. Sealants are a liquid resin that can be easily applied to help protect against dental decay caused by food getting trapped in the deep grooves or pits of the teeth.
 

Cavity Prevention:

The most common cause of cavities in children is the lack of proper home care and a diet high in sugars. Foods and drinks high in sugar are broken down by bacteria, which lead to acidic reactions that attack the enamel and lead to decay. Therefore, both proper diet and routine daily home care is essential in maintaining healthy teeth.

 

How to Prevent Cavities:

  • Encourage your child to brush, floss and rinse their mouth after meals.
  • Avoid giving children juices and soda.
  • Avoid sticky foods or candy.
  • Choose nutritious snacks.
  • Do not give children milk after they have brushed their teeth before bed, only water.

When you bring your child to our office in Spokane, Washington, our dentist will offer suggestions for optimal home care and healthy foods that will be most beneficial to their oral health. Learn more by calling 509-327-8681 to schedule a visit with Dr. Nicolas Gallegos.