How Dental Sealants Provide Cavity Protection
When kids develop cavities, this can cause discomfort and over time, increase the risk of infection or even the early loss of baby teeth. But our team can help kids avoid the onset of cavities, so they maintain healthy and comfortable smiles. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about dental sealants.
The Causes and Risks of Cavities
Cavities can form in little smiles as soon as the first teeth erupt. When babies go to sleep or nap with a bottle of milk, or when toddlers nap with a bottle of juice, this could coat the teeth in sugars that feed harmful oral bacteria and cause tooth decay. As kids grow older, improper brushing and flossing could increase the risk of cavities, as well as a diet high in sugar and starch. Without treatment, the cavities will grow in severity and eventually lead to an infection that could cause premature tooth loss and misalignment. But we can offer a unique treatment to help keep tooth decay at bay!
Prevention With Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a special acrylic material that we use to coat the rear teeth. The layers are then cured with a light and kids just need to avoid food and drink for about a half hour. The molars are often difficult for kids to reach when they brush and floss, so this area is prone to tooth decay. But with sealants, sugar and starch cannot be caught between these teeth! The layers can stay in place for up to ten years and wear away gradually with time. We can re-apply as needed!
Help with Fluoride and Cleanings
Our team could also apply a special fluoride to the entirety of your child’s smile! The mineral coats the teeth and helps strengthen the outer enamel to make cavities less likely, and could even help fortify weakened enamel too. Again, the application only takes seconds and kids just need to wait 30 minutes before they eat or drink. We could also help the smile with a simple dental cleaning, a procedure that removes all plaque and tartar from the smile to prevent enamel erosion. This also fights bad breath and teeth stains.
If you have any questions about how our team will lower the risk of tooth decay and protect smiles, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help your kids enjoy good oral health and comfort, and avoid complications like infection and tooth loss.
Schedule a Visit for Cavity Prevention
If you have questions about keeping tooth decay in little smiles at bay, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with our team, call your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, at (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Preventive Treatments