Ejldental

Protecting Your Childrens’ Oral Health

Staff | February 2022

Our children are precious to us and we want to protect their oral health. Tooth decay can be common in children, yet it is largely preventable. Since February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, our EJL Dental team wants to raise awareness on this important topic. Our pediatric dental experts can care for your children and educate the whole family on preventing tooth decay.

Baby’s First Appointment

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child be seen six months after their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. At EJL Dental, we suggest that your child’s dental health journey begins when their first tooth erupts. During their first appointment, we can make sure that everything is developing normally and educate you on the best techniques for their oral hygiene. Even the youngest children’s teeth should be cleaned after feedings. 

Baby Teeth

As they develop, your children’s first teeth help them speak, smile and chew. They also serve as placeholders for their permanent teeth. When a baby tooth is lost due to decay, neighboring teeth may encroach on that space, resulting in misplaced or crooked teeth.

Permanent Teeth

This year, the theme of Children’s Dental Month is “Sealants Make Sense.” Once your child’s permanent teeth come in, sealants can be applied to protect the molars from tooth decay. Dental sealants are fabricated from a resin that bonds and hardens in the deep grooves on a tooth’s surface. When a tooth is sealed, the grooves on the surface become smooth, preventing them from collecting the plaque and food particles that cause decay. When you are able to prevent cavities, you also save the cost of fillings that would be needed to treat them.

According to the Centers for Disease Control  (CDC), “Dental sealants are a quick, easy, and painless way to prevent most cavities children get in the permanent back teeth where 9 in 10 cavities occur. Children aged 6 to 11 years without sealants have almost 3 times more first-molar cavities than children with sealants.”

While dental sealants offer protection for their molars, daily hygiene habits are the key to maintaining oral health. When you bring your children in for their regular checkups, we will teach them (and you) the best brushing, flossing and nutrition tips for healthy gums and teeth. 

At EJL Dental, our pediatric dental specialists are experts in caring for children of all ages, from babies to teens and children with special needs.

• Infant and Baby Care
• Fluoride
• Sealants
• Special Needs Dentistry
• Orthodontic Treatment
• Sports Mouthguards
• Teeth Whitening 
• Hospital Dentistry

If you have family or friends who are looking for outstanding pediatric dental care, we hope that you will refer them to EJL Dental. 

At EJL Dental, we create a friendly, comforting environment, where you and your children can feel safe and welcome. It’s an honor for us to provide care for the whole family. Contact us today to make your next appointment!