More Ways To Fight Decay

prevent childhood tooth decay Elgin

Most parents make sure their children brush their teeth. They do their best to limit candy and sugary drinks, and make sure their son or daughter consumes enough calcium and Vitamin D. Some also limit between-meal snacks. Andyet, at David Rice DDS in Elgin we treat tooth decay in young patients daily.

Parents should be aware that there are four additional weapons for preventing cavities in children and adolescents.

  • Sealants
  • Fluoride Supplements
  • Oral Rinses
  • Professional dental cleanings

The first generation of children to benefit from dental sealants are in their fifties and sixties now. Since then, dental sealants have proven to be effective at decreasing pit and fissure tooth decay.

Fluoride supplements help strengthen still-forming teeth before they erupt. Note that if you have fluoridated water, your pediatric dentist may counsel against taking additional fluoride in supplement form.

If your son or daughter is taking fluoride supplements, is an oral rinse redundant? Actually, no. Fluoride supplements help strengthen teeth that are still forming, but a fluoride rinse helps teeth that have already come in. Make sure you pick one specifically created for children. Products labeled as a mouthwash may not contain fluoride. And they probably contain alcohol.

Oral rinses work best when children and adolescents swish after they brush and floss at night. The rinse should be the last substance to make contact with teeth before bed. This helps teeth re-mineralize during sleep.

Dental cleanings remove plaque that can’t be brushed away. Kids who receive twice-a-year teeth cleanings are less likely to are plagued with decay, infection, or gum disease.

At David Rice DDS in Elgin, we offer general and family dentistry, restorative dentistry, and many other services. Schedule your next checkup with us today.

Contact David A. Rice, DDS:

847-741-2353

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1972 Larkin Ave Ste 1
Elgin, Illinois
60123

ArticleID 8093

Memberships & Associations

Dr. David Rice, DDS, KOIS Center Clinical Instructor membership page The American Academy of Restorative Dentistry membership logo for Dr. Rice, DDS Elgin dentist Dr. David Rice is a member of the American Dental Association Illinois State Dental Society membership badge for Dr. David Rice, DDS

TEXT OUR OFFICE

Text message is limited to 160 characters.

HOW IT WORKS

  1. Enter your Name.
  2. Enter your Cell Phone Number, area code first
  3. Enter your text message in the box.
  4. Click "Send Text"
  5. A copy of this text will be sent to the office and to your cell phone. The office's reply will also be sent to your cell phone where you can continue the text conversation.
Note: Mobile message and data rates from your cell phone carrier may apply.Close ClickToCall Button
NagiosCheckValue - Do not remove please