Why Dental Sealants are Essential to Your Child’s Teeth
How well does your child brush his/her teeth?
Does your child already have cavities?
Struggling to get your child to floss?
Dental sealants are the best option to prevent dental problems. Good teeth brushing techniques, flossing, and teeth care are all common concerns among parents of growing children. At some point, it’s natural for your child to take over the task of brushing their own teeth. But how well are they brushing? Are they getting to those back teeth? Are they brushing all of the tooth surfaces?
Sometimes despite a parent’s best efforts, a child can still contract tooth decay or infections, among other dental issues. They can have difficulty focusing on the task at hand or brushing properly, especially children with ADD, ADHD or sensory issues. Your child may also be resistant to brushing, which can make tooth brushing a battle in some households.
Tooth decay can set in quickly. Food particles can get lodged in between teeth, and plaque can be difficult to keep under control when they’re not brushing properly or consistently. And quite often, you don’t know there’s a problem until it’s too late.
What Are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a clear, completely safe liquid plastic application. We “paint” the sealant onto your child’s teeth, which hardens within a few seconds on all surfaces and settles into the grooves. The dental sealant adds a protective layer on the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth.
Dental sealants are long lasting and can last up to 10 years. Once applied, the sealant forms a protective barrier against plaque and other forms of tooth decay. It can also help prevent any existing decay from spreading further.
Dental Sealants Help Prevent Tooth Decay
According to the American Dental Association, dental sealants provide both immediate and long-term protection against cavities and tooth decay. In fact, sealants can reduce the risk of cavities by up to 80%, and as much as 60% over the next four years.
Dental sealants can be your child’s best defense against cavities, tooth infections, and other dental issues. In essence, dental sealants will prevent food debris from attaching to the enamel. Once food particles cause the enamel to break down, then decay can quickly set in. And once the enamel on your child’s teeth is eroded or damaged, it cannot be repaired.
Once your child loses their baby teeth, usually around kindergarten to second grade, their new teeth will need to last for the rest of their lives. If your child has frequent cavities, dental caries or is susceptible to tooth decay, we may recommend dental sealants as part of their regular dental care.
When Should Your Child Get Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are recommended to all children once their permanent adult teeth begin to erupt. Once applied, we will check the condition of the sealant at every visit. If there is a crack or erosion of the sealant, then decay can find its way through to the enamel.
We Help Make Your Child Comfortable
At Peace Haven Family Dentistry, we understand that going to the dentist can be a stressful event for some children. Children can also be affected by a parent’s fear of the dentist. Rest assured that we have a lot of experience with helping children through their dental visit and making it as pleasurable an experience as possible.
We look forward to seeing you and your child for regular dental care.
To schedule your child’s Dental Sealants in Winston-Salem, NC click here.
All Aspects of General Dentistry Including: Root Canal Therapy, Dental Extractions, Invisalign, Dental Implants, Tooth Colored Fillings, Same Day CEREC Crowns, Full and Partial Dentures, 3-D CBCT X-rays
My office is located at:
1086 Whitaker Rd.
Winston Salem, NC 27106
336-765-9247
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