Preventing Tooth Decay With Sealants
Did you know that we can place dental sealants in one visit to help fight cavities for years to come, possibly a decade or more? With these preventive treatments, our team can help you kids enjoy healthy and cavity-free smiles. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about our dental sealants.
How Cavities Form in Little Smiles
Tooth decay occurs when the outer enamel is compromised and harmful oral bacteria can reach the inner dentin, the sensitive structure that makes up most of the tooth. The enamel could weaken due to plaque and tartar buildup, which is brought on by bacteria consuming the particles of sugar and starch left behind by the foods and drinks your kids consume. Which is why limiting their consumption of sugar is so important! Brushing and flossing is important too, as this helps remove particles before bacteria can consume them to create plaque. For others, teeth grinding or injury could wear down the enamel. The resulting cavity will grow in severity with time, and lead to infection unless treated. But our team wants to use dental sealants to help kids avoid the onset of cavities!
Placing The Protective Layer
The placement process is simple. Our team will clean the rear teeth and then dry them before we apply this acrylic layer. The plastic material is then cured with a light, and kids need to avoid food and drink for about 30 minutes as the sealants complete the curing process. At this stage, the sealants could remain for up to ten years in some cases, wearing away gradually with time. The layers prevent food particles from being stuck on or between the molars, which are teeth that kids often have difficulty reaching when they brush and floss. This helps limit the risk of cavities for years to come. During the holiday season, kids are inundated with sugar and starch, so be sure they consume these in moderation and that they take time to brush and floss properly.
If you haven’t scheduled your last 2023 checkup and cleaning visit for your child, consider an appointment now so they can greet the holiday season with a brighter and healthier smile. You can also use your 2023 dental benefits and any remaining health savings account funds before they expire at midnight on December 31st. If you have any questions about dental sealants, or about fighting cavities in little smiles, then please reach out to our team today!
Schedule Your Child’s Checkup Visit Today
Our team wants to help your kids stay free of cavities after the holiday season, and we can do so with preventive treatments. To learn more about this protective acrylic layer, please contact your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Cavities/Tooth Decay