Dental sealants are one of the most powerful preventive care treatments for kids. Because children are especially vulnerable to cavities, parents need all the help they can get to help their kids fight tooth decay. Through this simple and pain-free procedure, your child can get powerful and long-lasting cavity protection on some of their most vulnerable.
Children are more likely than adults to get cavities for a number of reasons. First, the enamel on baby teeth is less strong than on adult teeth. In addition, children are more likely to eat a diet higher in sugary or acidic foods and drinks when they are just learning proper oral hygiene.
However, the molars are especially vulnerable to tooth decay. Some baby molars and most adult molars have deep grooves and fissures on their biting surfaces, where plaque can collect and cause cavities. Tooth brushing often misses the plaque and bacteria that collect there, making it harder to prevent tooth decay.
Dental sealants contain a plastic resin that, when applied to the biting surface of molars and premolars, helps keep cavity-causing plaque and bacteria out of these groves and fissures. Once applied, they act as a barrier that fills the deep groves and fishers and stops cavities before they start. They provide an extra layer of protection during the years in which children are most vulnerable to cavities.
The procedure itself is fairly simple and quick and can even be done by a pediatric dentist during a child's regular dental appointment. First, the dentist cleans and drys the teeth. Next, the dentist applies an acidic gel to roughen the teeth surfaces so the sealant material can adhere properly. After a few seconds, the dentist rinses off the acidic gel and cleans and dries the teeth again. During the final step, the dentist applies the sealant gel to the teeth surfaces and hardens it with a special light. There is no drilling or anesthesia required.
Dental sealants are generally recommended for children when their permanent molars and premolars come in. However, if the child has deep groves and fissures in their baby molars, a pediatric dentist may recommend sealants for those as well. The first set of permanent molars comes in around age six, and the second set comes in about age 12. Dental sealants can protect teeth for up to 10 years. Dental sealants should not be placed on teeth with active tooth decay.
A pediatric dentist is a dental specialist who focuses on children's dental care from infancy to 18. They have the most experience working with children and understand their unique needs. A pediatric dentist can provide the most accurate guidance on cavity protection for a child. These specialists not only provide dental sealants but also comprehensive therapeutic and preventive dental services for children.
There is something parents can do now that will greatly impact their child's oral health. Dental sealants offer years of important cavity prevention for kids. Call our office today to learn more about dental sealants and other pediatric dental services.
Request an appointment here: https://nettsmiles.com or call Nett Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics at (623) 759-7658 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Sealants in Phoenix, AZ.
Dental sealants are thin plastic coats that are applied to the biting surfaces of a person's teeth. They can be used on any tooth, but they are mostly used on the premolars and molars because these are the most susceptible to tooth decay. When applied, the sealant adheres to the pits and grooves on the…
Children are highly susceptible to tooth decay or cavities. However, that does not mean they are bound to get a cavity. Opting for a dental sealant for kids can help prevent cavities by shielding the teeth from bacteria. This protection can last for years. If you are a parent concerned about your child’s dental problems,…
Dental sealants for kids protect the chewing surface of the back teeth from cavities. These are the areas that are often most vulnerable to teeth decay in children, and sealants can help prevent the need for cavity fillings in the future, which are all too common among children. This review discusses situations when a pediatric…
Dentists often recommend dental sealants for children as a way to protect the teeth from cavities or wear and tear. Oftentimes, they are applied to the baby teeth so that they remain healthy until the adult teeth take over. After the adult teeth come in, the dentist may want to reapply in order to set…
A key goal of pediatric dentistry is establishing healthy oral hygiene habits early to promote…
If you're searching for a "pediatric dentist near me," it's important to know what to…
Here are the details about the role of preventive dentistry in your child’s oral health.
Does your child need a baby root canal? Read on to learn more about this…
You can talk to a dentist for kids for advice on how to prevent childhood…
If you suspect your child has a cavity or if it has been a while…
