Children's Sports and Dental Injuries

Children's Sports and Dental Injuries

Three Important Preventive Dental Procedures

by Lillian Dixon

Common dental procedures can be categorised as preventative, basic and major services. The processes classified as basic and major are essentially curative treatments for existing dental problems. These issues can include procedures such as teeth filling, root canal therapy, dental implant installation and tooth extractions. On the other hand, preventive procedures are designed to thwart the occurrence of dental diseases. These types of procedures are more economical and convenient because they limit potential complications linked to basic and major procedures. Generally, the preventative care is aimed at limiting tooth decay, gum diseases and subsequent teeth loss. Here are the main preventive dental procedures that you should discuss with your family dentist.

Teeth Cleaning

The practice of teeth cleaning is an important part of oral hygiene. Basically, this involves removal of food deposits as well as dental plaque in the teeth. The plaque is a biofilm of dental bacteria which feeds on sugars in the mouth. You can control the plaque by regular brushing, flossing and interdental cleaning of teeth at home. However, it is important to engage a dentist for professional cleaning. The procedure involves removal of mineralised plaque known as tartar which is formed on the teeth, even with regular brushing. The expert will perform tooth scaling, dental polishing and even debridement for ideal results.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are also known as pit and fissure sealants, and they are designed to protect the teeth against tooth decay. In simple terms, the teeth surfaces have recesses, and these are particularly significant in the premolar and molars. Unfortunately, these areas are hard to clean and food materials tend to stick, so they are highly vulnerable to decay. The dental sealants are materials which are applied to fill the fissures and pits. This creates a smooth surface which is smooth and easy to clean. You should consider dental sealants for your young children because they are more vulnerable to tooth decay. The sealants can also be applied on adult molars as soon as they come up for maximum protection.

Fluoride Therapy

Fluoride therapy involves the delivery of fluoride to the dental structure in order to prevent formation of dental cavities. Basically, the fluoride repairs the mineral structure of the enamel in the teeth, preventing the occurrence of caries. The substance can be applied topically on the teeth topically in an in-office session or delivered systematically. The latter option involves swallowing the fluoride as an additive to drinking water or even milk. Your dentist might also recommend special fluoride tablets or lozenges. 


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About Me

Children's Sports and Dental Injuries

As a mum, I know how essential sport can be to children's development. Through team sports like soccer, kids learn persistence, sportsmanship and the value of supporting their team members. However, all that learning carries some risk as well, and a stray elbow or a ball to the face can result in oral injuries. I have been the mum rushing to the emergency room with a precious permanent tooth sitting in a cup of milk. Admittedly, at the time, I wasn't even sure if the cup of milk was the right solution. As a parent, you will face those situations, and I'm here to make sure you know what to do when they pop up. With this blog, let's explore children's dentistry and sports injuries together... I want you to have the info you need to stay cool, calm and collected, regardless of how many teeth are on the pitch.