Dental Sealants Offer Long Lasting Protection
Our team wants to help kids stay free of cavities, and we accomplish this with preventive treatment options. Along with cleanings, we can also place dental sealants. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about dental sealants, and how they offer years of protection!
The Dental Sealants
A dental sealant is a special plastic coating that we apply to the rear teeth. The molars are often difficult for kids to reach and clean properly when they brush and floss. As a result, tooth decay is more likely to develop in this area. However, the sealants provide a protective barrier to prevent particles from your food and drink from being trapped between them. They stay in place for up to ten years in some cases, and as they gradually wear away, they cling to the more vulnerable portions of the teeth the longest.
Placing Them
The process of placing them only takes a few minutes. Our team will begin by drying the teeth and then gently etching them. We apply the sealants and then cure them with a special light. They wear away with time, and we can re-apply in the future if necessary. In the same visit, we could also provide a fluoride treatment, which helps strengthen the enamel on all of our teeth to limit the risk of cavities forming.
Other Tips for Cavity Prevention
Cavities form when the dentin, the sensitive structure that makes up most of the tooth, is exposed to harmful oral bacteria. Usually, the outer enamel prevents this from happening. But if poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup weaken and erode enamel, or teeth grinding or injury damages it, then this could allow tooth decay to form. To help protect the smile, be sure your child sees us every six months for a checkup and cleaning, so we can not only watch for signs of trouble, but also remove all plaque and tartar buildup.
At home, you should make sure your child is limited in how much sugar he or she consumes, as this feeds harmful bacteria. In addition, make sure your kids brush twice a day for two minutes in the morning and at night, and that they use a fluoride toothpaste when they do. Kids three and younger need a rice-sized blot, while kids over the age of three need a pea-sized amount. Children also need to floss every evening as well!
Make an Appointment for Your Child With Your Dallas, TX, Team Today!
We would like to help children stay free of tooth decay. If you have any questions about how our team helps safeguard the health of little smiles, then contact your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Preventive Treatments