Don’t Forget Your Kids’ Back To School Visit!

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In a few days, children all over the country will begin returning to school. Whether you’re starting kindergarten or your first year of college, we recommend making a dental visit part of your back to school routine. In today’s blog, we’re going to talk about the importance of routine checkups and cleanings for students in Des Moines, IA!

Dental Exams and Dental Cleanings

A dental checkup allows us to carefully examine your smile, looking for the early warning signs of serious problems and then treating them before they grow worse. For children, we look for signs of developing misalignment, tooth decay, and gingivitis. For teens and adults, we expand the exam to look for gum disease, TMJ disorder, bruxism, and oral cancer.

We also perform a cleaning, which removes all plaque and tartar from your teeth. Plaque forms when bacteria break down food particles and over time, the buildup can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, discoloration, and bad breath. On average, you should have a checkup and cleaning once every six months.

Fluoride Treatments

For children, we can provide preventive treatments to help protect their smiles through the school year. Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that strengthens the outer enamel, shoring up your smile’s natural defenses against cavities. We can apply this in a varnish form in a matter of minutes.

Dental Sealants

We can also provide dental sealants, which is a special plastic coating we apply to the molars. These back teeth are often difficult for kids to reach when they brush and floss. The coating prevents food from becoming stuck between them and reduces the risk of cavities forming. The sealants don’t require removal, as they simply wear away with time. If you have any questions, or if you’re ready to schedule a visit for you or your family, then contact our team today.

Gateway Dental Group Can Help Young Smiles

At Gateway Dental Group, we can help children enjoy healthy and beautiful smiles. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Burds and his team at Gateway Dental Group, call our office today at (515) 244-9565. Located in Des Moines, IA, we proudly welcome patients from the Des Moines area, and surrounding communities.