Many adults struggle with maintaining good oral health and avoiding cavities, so it's easy to imagine how such things could be tough for kids. If your child has had one or more cavities, chances are you want to do anything you can to help avoid them having it happen again. Of course, seeing a pediatric dentist on a regular basis and ensuring that your child cleans their teeth well at home can be a big help, but there are also extra ways your child's dentist can be of assistance.

Dental Sealants

One of the services your child's dentist can offer your child is dental sealants. These are a type of preventative technique that help to keep cavities at bay. Not only are they helpful, but the process is completely painless.

Dental sealants can be applied anytime after your child's teeth have been cleaned. Sealants are designed to provide an extra layer of protection on the chewing surfaces of your child's teeth. Sealants are made up of the same stuff as dental fillings, but no drilling or invasive procedures are required. Instead, the sealant is simply painted onto the surface of the teeth and is then hardened with a special dental light. Once they're in place, your child won't be able to see or feel them, but the sealants will provide extra protection. 

Plaque Tablets

Another thing to ask your dentist about is plaque disclosing tablets. While some pharmacies and drug stores carry these, most children's dentists carry them as well, so you can get started during your next visit.

Plaque disclosing tablets are designed to be used after brushing and flossing one's teeth. They stick to any remaining plaque on the teeth and are a strong, bright color, like red, so that they stand out and make it clear if your child's teeth aren't as clean as they should be. This will help to teach your child where they need to do a better job and will give them a sense of accomplishment when they see that there's little to no red remaining after brushing.

Mouthwash

Finally, mouthwash is available just about everywhere, but your child's dentist will have access to kid-friendly mouthwash that suits their needs. For example, if your child has a cavity development problem, they may want to focus more on their tooth health than gum health. Using a kids' mouthwash that contains an artificial sweetener like Xylitol can help to cut the production of plaque, reducing the amount of damage done to teeth between brushing. It's an especially good idea to use it before your child heads off to school so that their teeth develop less plaque after they eat lunch.

Contact a dental practice like Burton Advance Dental - Lavanya Seela DMD to learn more.