How Dental Sealants Prevent Tooth Decay
Cavities can form in little smiles of all ages, and without treatment the risk of infection arises, as does premature tooth loss. But our team can help with cavity prevention! In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about preventing the onset of tooth decay with dental sealants.
The Causes of Cavities in Little Smiles
First, let’s explain how a cavity forms in a child’s smile. Each tooth consists of a collection of nerve tissues known as the pulp, which is surrounded by sensitive dentin, which makes up most of the tooth. The outermost layer is enamel, which protects the tooth. This is actually the hardest substance int eh human body. A cavity means that bacteria has managed to bypass the enamel and reach the dentin, which could happen due to plaque and tartar buildup, which itself is caused by factors like a diet high in sugar and poor brushing and flossing habits. Teeth grinding or injury could also be responsible.
When decay forms, this can grow in severity and eventually cause pain and the risk of infection or even premature tooth loss, which then means a greater risk of misalignment. But our team would like to help kids avoid cavities altogether, and we can help with dental sealants.
The Dental Sealant Process
For most kids, the rear teeth are the most difficult to reach when they brush and floss. Which means these molars are more at-risk for cavities, as food and drink particles can remain trapped there even if kids brush and floss, which then leads to plaque and tartar buildup, and eventually weakened enamel and decay. But with dental sealants, we dry these teeth and coat them in a layer of acrylic. The dental sealant placement takes only seconds, and kids just need to avoid food and drink for about a half hour. The layers then safeguard the teeth so sugar and starch can no longer be trapped on or between them, which can fight the onset of decay for years to come, as long as ten in some cases.
Protecting Smiles During the Holidays
You can also help your kids during the holidays by limiting their sugar consumption and making sure they brush and floss daily! You can also bring them in for the last checkup and cleaning of 2025, so they can start a new year with a healthier smile, and you can use your remaining 2025 dental insurance benefits or health savings account funds before they expire. Give us a call if you have any questions!
PDC Kids Helps Prevent Cavities
We would love to help kids enjoy good oral health and smiles free of cavities. To find out more about preventing tooth decay, call Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda in Dallas, TX, today at (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Children's Dental Services