Common Pediatric Dental Procedures, Part 1 | Dr. Bob Pediatric Dentist

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This post is sponsored by our friends at Dr. Bob Pediatric Dentist. All opinions are those of the author.
As the mom of a now 9-year-old and almost 5-year-old, we’ve had our share of dental experiences. Sealants, an extraction, chipped teeth, a filling (and then a re-filling after that filling recently came out!)–there are many common pediatric dental procedures that our kids may need at some point. In this post–the 1st of a 2-part series brought to you by Dr. Bob Pediatric Dentist–we’ll learn more about sealants, cleanings, and x-rays.

Sealants

A girl brushing her teeth
In addition to regular flossing and brushing, sealants help protect teeth from decay

Did you know that 4 out of 5 cavities in children are found in the back teeth? These are the teeth that do the heavy lifting when it comes to chewing food. They’re also the toughest teeth to reach, see, floss, and brush well. To help prevent cavities/caries in premolars and molars, your pediatric dentist may recommend sealants. A sealant is just that–a coating that is applied to protect those important molars and premolars by sealing out decay caused by plaque and acid. It’s a very simple procedure that can make a long-term difference in your child(ren)’s dental health.

Cleanings

Nothing beats that just-clean-from-the-dentist feeling! Even if your child flosses and brushes every day, it’s really important to get them in for their routine cleanings and exams every 6 months. Aside from maintaining oral health, routine visits to the dentist help your child (and you!) feel at home at the dentist’s office and help instill healthy lifestyle habits. They’re also great opportunities to teach your child the importance of self-care.

As a mom, I appreciate knowing a dentist is keeping an eye on things. And at this stage in my parenting journey, I also value the personal accountability and responsibility regular dental exams and cleanings provide for my children. After all, the goal is for my kids to increasingly own their dental health and hygiene, and let’s face it–sometimes it just helps for them to hear things from someone else 😉

X-Rays

A pediatric dental patient pictured next to one of his x-rays
My son showing off his pearly whites next to one of his dental x-ray images

X-rays are just so cool, aren’t they? I’m always amazed by how much can be seen on an x-ray. But aside from the fun factor, x-rays are a super important aspect of dental diagnostics. In addition to revealing cavities, they give your child’s pediatric dentist a clear picture of what’s going on below the gumline. In our personal experience, x-rays have helped identify issues with erupting teeth and evaluate a dental injury. But they can also be used to plan future orthodontic treatment, and diagnose and treat various health conditions that simply can’t be observed otherwise. Routine x-rays (taken 1-2 times a year) ensure the early detection of dental issues before treatment becomes more painful and costly.

The Dentist Is In!

Are you looking for a local pediatric dentist you can trust? Look no further than Dr. Bob Pediatric Dentist. A reputable dentist with a solid reputation, Dr. Bob is here for you! His office is conveniently located off of SW 62nd Avenue in South Miami, and he and his team are committed to providing the exceptional care your child deserves. From your baby’s 1st visit to routine exams and cleanings to common pediatric dental procedures, you’ll be in good hands. Call the office at 305-397-8214 or click here to schedule your child’s appointment today!

Dr. Bob has been an incredible resource to the Miami Mom Collective community! Click here for more helpful resources and Q&As on a variety of pediatric dental topics.