How Sealants Protect Teeth From Cavities
Cavities can develop easily in little smiles, especially during the summer! Kids are home more often, lax in their schedules, and drinking lots of sodas and snacking on sweets. But we have a way to help lower the risk of cavities, and for months or even years at a time. In today’s blog, Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda talks about preventing cavities with dental sealants.
The Onset of Cavities in Little Smiles
As we mentioned above, when kids snack on lots of sugary foods and consume sugary beverages, this leaves behind particles that feed harmful oral bacteria and allow plaque and tartar to coat the teeth. The outer enamel is then weakened and eroded, which creates painful cavities and the risk of eventual infection. Lack of proper brushing and flossing can exacerbate the decay risk too. Children could develop painful tooth sensitivity and toothaches, and risk the premature loss of baby teeth, which can impact alignment down the road. But we can help lower the risk of tooth decay with the application of dental sealants.
Help with Dental Sealants
Our team will begin the process by drying the rear teeth, the molars kids have trouble reaching when they brush and floss. We then apply a thin acrylic layer to these teeth and cure it. This takes seconds, and kids will need to avoid food and drink for about a half hour. The sealants can then stay in place for years to come, and will prevent sugary particles from being caught on or between these teeth, lowering the risk of tooth decay. They can last for years at a time, often as long as a decade for some kids! We can always re-apply as needed in the future. Along with our dental sealants, we could also offer fluoride treatments to help strengthen the outer enamel for the rest of the teeth. With these steps, we can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay forming in little smiles!
Treatment with a Filling
What happens if a cavity does form in a child’s smile? Even if this happens in a baby tooth, treatment is needed to avoid infections and painful symptoms. With a filling, we can offer relief in one visit using a more lifelike alternative to metal fillings, known as composite resin. This is safe for all ages and bonds with the tooth! If you have any questions about preventing tooth decay with a dental sealant, then contact our team today to learn more.
PDC Kids Wants to Prevent Tooth Decay
We want to help prevent the onset of tooth decay with unique treatment options. To find out more about children’s dental care, then call Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda in Dallas, TX, today at (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Preventive Treatments