Even if your child brushes and flosses daily, they could be leaving behind plaque on back teeth. If tooth decay is a recurring issue for your child, their pediatric dentist may recommend dental sealants. A tooth sealant covers pits and divots on the chewing surface responsible for trapping plaque. Continue reading to learn the other ways your child could benefit from dental sealants.
Protect Oral Health
Our dentists want to help your child build a strong foundation for oral health. For this reason, we may recommend dental sealants if we see that your child is prone to tooth decay. Other ways to protect your child’s oral health include enforcing teeth brushing and scheduling their appointments with us every 6 months.
Dental sealants are best for patients who have deep pits and divots in back teeth. Recent studies have even hinted at a connection between genetics and a person’s susceptibility for tooth decay. Fortunately, your child’s dentist can use dental sealants to prevent future cavities from forming.
Prevent Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease affecting American children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fortunately, your child’s pediatric dentist is able to prevent most cavities with dental sealants. A tooth sealant covers the surface of your child’s molar so it doesn’t collect food particles and plaque.
Tooth decay is caused by plaque, an invisible film of bacteria that builds up on your child’s teeth. Plaque feeds on sugar and starch left behind on your child’s teeth before producing acids that erode enamel. It’s important that you schedule your child’s routine teeth cleaning and oral examination every 6 months so we can remove plaque buildup and monitor oral health. Otherwise, plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay and even gum disease.
Avoid Fillings
No one likes the sound of a dental drill, especially when it’s meant for them. Fortunately, dental sealants are designed to prevent plaque buildup on back teeth. That way, your child can get a clean bill of health during their next appointment with us.
To place a dental filling, we would have to remove decayed tooth matter. Your child’s dentist would then restore the tooth with a cavity filling made from amalgam or composite resin. In contrast, the procedure to apply dental sealants is noninvasive. First, we would need to clean and roughen the surface of your child’s tooth. Next, their dentist would paint the sealant onto the surface. Dental sealants are able to last several years, some even surviving into adulthood.
Aren’t sure if dental sealants are the right choice for your child’s smile? Ask their pediatric dentist about what you can do to prevent tooth decay and other issues that compromise oral health. We provide pediatric dental care because we understand the challenges of treating a growing smile.
Our dentists provide dental sealants and other preventive dentistry options to help your child maintain a healthy smile. To schedule your child’s appointment with one of our pediatric dentists, call Complete Health Dentistry at (616) 458-7267.
