Unfortunately, childhood cavities are prevalent, and it affects nearly 60% of children in the US. No matter how good oral hygiene your child maintains, there are big chances of developing dental caries or tooth decay. However, preventive measures are there to protect your child's oral health needs. Besides fluoride treatment and routine dental cleanings, pediatric dental sealants offer a great way to prevent decay-causing bacteria.
A weaker tooth enamel makes children more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities. The acids in the mouth disrupt the normal working of the enamel and wear it down. As a result, the layer beneath the enamel gets exposed. This layer is known as dentin; the exposed dentin on the tooth leads to dental pain and higher tooth sensitivity.
Most cavities occur in the back teeth, and some children can't brush properly. Sealants are a quick and easy way to get rid of cavities. Sealants help prevent plaque buildup and reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities. Dental sealants protect the teeth against cavities for up to 10 years with the proper care. In this article, learn more about dental sealants for kids and prepare your child in advance.
"Dental sealants are highly effective in preventing tooth decay; they can prevent up to 80% of cavities in children".
A dental sealant is a plastic coating applied on the chewing surface of the back teeth. It acts as a barrier against plaque and tartar, protecting the tooth enamel. Sometimes, the bristles of a toothbrush can't clean the tiny pits and grooves. The buildup of bacteria in these areas puts your child at a greater risk of forming tooth cavities. Here are some quick facts about dental sealants that you can also let your child know.
Dental sealants are well-suited for all ages; however, they are mainly applied to kids' teeth as they are more vulnerable to cavities. Besides the many benefits of dental sealants, we'll discuss the most dominant ones.
Pediatric dentists mostly recommend dental sealants on their own when children visit them. However, if it's been quite a long since you last saw your child's dentist, you can look for specific signs or symptoms yourself. These signs will reflect that your child needs dental sealants for better protection.
The American Dental Association recommends dental sealants for children aged between 6-14 years. That's because the child's first molars mostly come at age 6. In contrast, the second molars appear around the age of 12. Most pediatric dentists recommend sealing these teeth as soon as they come in. However, dental sealants can also be applied on baby teeth or elsewhere required in the mouth. Sometimes the baby teeth have deep grooves or pitted areas that need added protection. Sealing the area relieves the child and reduces his tooth sensitivity.
Dental sealants can be applied to tiny tooth cavities. It helps prevent the spread of further decay, which undermines the tooth's function. However, dental sealants are considered a preventive step, reducing the risk of cavities. If a tooth has been severely decayed, it would require a dental restoration to treat it properly. Dental sealants cannot solely treat an excessively decayed tooth. However, it is applied to all the exposed grooves after the repair. Any further decay is prevented in this way.
The procedure of dental sealants takes just a few minutes to seal the teeth. The application steps are listed as under:
A regular dental check-up and good oral hygiene are essential to prevent cavity formation in your child. Taking preventive measures is equally important to maintain good oral health. Fluoride rinses and dental sealants reduce the prevalence of cavities in kids. If your child is more prone to cavities, be willing to consult a pediatric dentist. Applying a sealant will protect the teeth against cavities and ensure optimal oral health.
Contact your kids' dentist in Stockton, Sajjad Rizvi D.D.S. at Happy Kids Dental, to learn more about pediatric dental sealants.
Pros And Cons of Dental Sealants for Kids
*This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition*
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