How Do Dental Sealants Help Prevent Cavities?

Posted May 15, 2020

Children are prone to cavities, and being on summer break only increases their risk, as now they have more time for snacking and indulging their sweet tooth. Since schools in the area have been closed since March, your little ones have essentially had a jump on summer break! Fortunately, your Dallas, TX, dentist has a few treatment options to help protect smiles from cavities.

Kids and Tooth Decay

When your little ones eat snacks and drink beverages high in sugar, this leaves particles behind on and between the teeth. Failing to also properly brush and floss thoroughly each day means those particles stay behind, to be consumed by bacteria. As bacteria break down these stray bits of foods and drink, they increase oral acidity and coat the teeth in plaque. The layers of plaque weaken and erode enamel, leading to tooth decay, and also inflame gum tissues, causing older kids to develop gingivitis.

To help protect little smiles, we suggest a healthy diet, along with brushing twice a day for two minutes. Kids aged three and older should use a pea-sized bit of fluoride toothpaste. Children should also floss as soon as teeth are sitting side-by-side. Routine checkups and cleanings also help, giving us an opportunity to watch for signs of cavities and remove plaque buildup. But we also have special preventive treatments to strengthen smiles and safeguard them against cavities!

Dental Sealants

A dental sealant is a special acrylic coating we put over the rear teeth. These teeth are often difficult for kids to reach and clean properly when they brush and floss. We dry the teeth and apply the material, curing them and completing the process in a matter of a few minutes. They last for several years and wear away gradually with time. The sealants prevent food from becoming trapped between the teeth, so bacteria never have a chance to break them down!

Fluoride Treatments

We also have fluoride treatments, in which we apply fluoride to the teeth in the form of a special varnish. A naturally-occurring mineral, fluoride has been shown to strengthen tooth enamel and lower the risks of cavities. We can apply the treatments in a few minutes during six-month exam and cleaning visits. If you have any questions about our approach to children’s dentistry, or if you would like to schedule an exam for your little one, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Children’s Dentistry?

Our team wants to help protect your little one from serious oral health issues, including tooth decay. To learn more,  by calling Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda in Dallas, TX today at 214-321-4880. We proudly serve patients who live around Casa Linda and all surrounding Dallas communities.