Dental Sealants Help Kids Stay Cavity-Free
Since many kids have trouble reaching the molars in the back of the mouth, this could leave this portion of the smile vulnerable to cavities and infections. Our team wants to help kids of all ages enjoy cavity-free smiles, which is why we offer unique preventive treatments. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about placing dental sealants to fight cavities.
How Cavities Form
Cavities form when a diet high in sugar and starch, combined with poor brush and flossing habits allows plaque buildup to coat the teeth. The buildup then weakens and erodes the outer enamel to expose the sensitive inner structures to bacteria. A cavity then forms, and will grow and spread without treatment. The tooth could eventually become infected or even lost prematurely! Our team wants to help protect kids from the onset of tooth decay, particularly in the more vulnerable portion so their smiles. Which is why we often prescribe dental sealants.
The Placement of Our Protective Coating
Dental sealants are a thin layer of acrylic that we place onto the rear teeth. These molars are difficult for children to reach, which makes this area of the smile more likely to develop tooth decay. But once we apply the sealants, we can help protect the teeth for years to come! We first dry the teeth and then apply the acrylic material. The process takes seconds, and then children just need to avoid food and drink for about 30 minutes. The layers can stay in place for up to ten years, wearing away gradually with time. They will cling the longest to the more vulnerable parts of the outer surface. If needed, we can reapply in future appointments!
Keeping Smiles Healthy
Dental sealants can provide years of protection for smiles, and you can also help by limiting the amount of sugar and starch they consume in a day, and by making sure they brush in the morning and then again before bed for about two minutes. Children three and younger need a rice sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Those over the age of three require a pea sized amount. We also recommend a dental cleaning every six months so we can remove all harmful plaque and tartar buildup.
If you have any questions about how we protect little smiles from cavities with better oral hygiene care and dental sealants, then contact our team today. We want to help your kids start their school year with a strong and healthy smile.
Speak With Your Dallas, TX, Pediatric Dentist About Preventive Care for Kids
If you want to help your kids avoid the onset of cavities with preventive treatment, we invite you to contact your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Preventive Treatments