Cavities can be painful and scary for kids, but as a parent, you can help protect them from this problem by taking your child to the dentist in Fargo, ND. At Melinda Harr Dental, we give parents resources to help their children develop healthy teeth and gums. Below are some things you can do to protect your child’s teeth from cavities.

1. Brush Your Child’s Teeth For Them

Most children are unable to brush their teeth properly until they’re in grade school. Many children need their parents to brush their teeth until they turn about 7 or 8 years old.

Brush your child’s teeth for them to ensure that they’re getting their teeth brushed every day, and to ensure that their teeth are being properly brushed.

2. Use An Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes do a great job of brushing teeth and removing plaque from tooth enamel. Give your child an electric toothbrush designed for kids. If your child is brushing their teeth, using an electric toothbrush may incentivize them to brush longer and better. If you’re brushing your child’s teeth for them, using an electric toothbrush will make brushing their teeth easier for you.

3. Take Your Child to the Dentist

Take your child to the dentist every six months, or as often as your child’s dentist recommends. Taking your child to the dentist regularly will help your child avoid plaque buildup on their tooth enamel. Your child’s dentist can also catch problems in their early stages before they become serious.

4. Get Your Child Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a protective coating your child’s dentist can apply to their molars. Consider getting dental sealants to help protect your child’s tooth enamel from cavity-causing bacteria.

Is your child having symptoms like toothaches, bad breath, and tooth sensitivity? They may need cavity fillings in Fargo, ND. Call today to make an appointment.

For years, dental professionals have relied on anesthesia to help ensure the safety and comfort of their dental patients. At Melinda Harr Dental, we use dental anesthesia judiciously during certain dental treatments. One of the most common questions aboutdental anesthesia in S. Fargo, ND is about safety.

Benefits of Dental Anesthesia

Dental anesthesia is an important part of dental services. It keeps patients from moving suddenly during dental treatment, for one thing, which is helpful for dentists in terms of getting work done more efficiently. For the patient, dental anesthesia makes complex and potentially uncomfortable dental treatments—if not more pleasant—than more tolerable. This can have a far-reaching positive effect, since patients are more likely to return for needed dental treatments when the experience is more comfortable.

Safety Measures With Dental Anesthesia

Before administering any anesthesia, yourdentist in S. Fargo, ND will review your medical history, including any medications you are taking, allergies, and previous reactions to anesthesia. This helps to ensure the anesthesia is appropriate and reduces the risk of complications. Further, modern dental offices are equipped with monitoring devices to track heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels throughout the procedure to help ensure patient safety during the entire visit.

Types of Dental Anesthesia

Your dentist has several options available when there’s a need for dental anesthesia. What is used will depend upon the treatment that’s necessary, as well as other factors. Local anesthesia is the most commonly used and works by numbing a specific area of the mouth. Sedation anesthesia ranges from mild to deep sedation, which helps patients relax or sleep during a procedure. General anesthesia, which puts the patient completely to sleep, is typically reserved for more complex surgeries and is less commonly used in routine dental care.

At Melinda Harr Dental, we want you to feel safe and protected during treatment. If you have any questions about dental anesthesia or anything else, please don’t hesitate to reach out.