Dental sealants can improve your child’s pediatric dental health. Baby teeth may be temporary, but they are important. Primary teeth act as guides for the emergence of adult teeth. If you want to know how pediatric dental sealants can protect your child’s teeth against cavities, here are the details.
Pediatric dentists paint a liquid sealant on the child’s teeth. This liquid hardens after a few minutes. It then resembles a plastic coating. The sealant acts like a barrier that shields the child’s teeth. It seals the grooves, crevices, and flat surfaces of the teeth. Molars are the teeth that need these dental sealants most.
Dental sealants protect the child’s teeth from decay and cavities. Studies show that pediatric dental sealants reduce cavities by 80% two years after application. The protective layer protects the child’s teeth from 50% of cavities for about four years after application. Pediatric dentists recommend the application of pediatric dental sealants when the first molars erupt. This often starts at six years of age. The child will need another sealant treatment by age 12 when the second molars emerge.
Pediatric dentists find dental sealants effective in protecting baby and adult teeth. Tooth decay is a common problem in children ages six to 11 and also teenagers ages 12-19. Pediatric dental sealants are important in preventive pediatric dental care. Dentists often combine these sealants with professional dental cleanings, dental checkups, and fluoride treatments. Home oral care practices of parents and children also help pediatric dental sealants become more effective.
Preventive pediatric dental sealants are better than having cavity treatments. Dental restorations, such as dental fillings, are more expensive. These treatments also take longer and are often more invasive. Teeth without cavities are healthier and stronger.
Pediatric dental sealants do not take much time to have. Once the pediatric dentist gets the tooth ready, the tooth gets an application of the liquid sealant. It then dries in minutes. Getting dental sealants is also non-invasive. It does not involve drills or injections.
Dental sealants also help children retain tooth material. A solid tooth is a strong tooth. Cavities erode natural tooth material. This weakens the tooth, leading to bigger dental concerns.
Pediatric dentists recommend that children should get pediatric dental sealants by six or seven years old. Another application of dental sealants should happen again by 12 or 13 years old. These are the ages when kids are vulnerable to cavities. Pediatric dental sealants protect children who love to eat sweets. These are also for those who have difficulty flossing and brushing. The sealants can prevent bacteria from taking advantage of inadequate dental cleaning.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Reston, VA
Proper oral care starts with the right cavity prevention technique. Dental sealants can preserve the integrity of your child’s teeth. They can maintain your child’s oral health for at least a decade with proper care and maintenance. An appointment with your pediatric dentist can start your child’s lifelong journey to good dental health.
Request an appointment or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at 703-391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.
A kid friendly dentist has many important jobs in your child’s oral wellness. Aside from cleaning your child’s teeth at semiannual appointments, the dentist will check on jaw and bite issues. As your son or daughter gets older, the dentist will also check on how the permanent teeth are coming in. There are ways the…
Cavity treatment for kids can help children maintain their long-term oral health. Tooth decay in children can lead to discomfort, infection, and long-term dental complications if left untreated. Fortunately, early detection and appropriate pediatric dental care can prevent complications and support healthy oral development as children grow up.Cavities develop when bacteria in the mouth feed…
An emergency pediatric dentist is a parent’s go-to resource when unexpected dental issues arise. From accidents to sudden pain, these dental providers offer specialized care to restore children’s oral health and comfort quickly. Understanding their role and the treatments they offer empowers parents to handle dental emergencies with confidence, ensuring prompt, compassionate care for every…
Thinking about getting Invisalign®? Read on to learn some of the benefits of choosing this teeth-straightening treatment. Most people want a beautiful smile, but many people do not want to undergo teeth-straightening treatments that involve conspicuous metal braces. Fortunately, another option called Invisalign involves wearing transparent aligner trays over time to correct tooth misalignment. A…
If you are considering Invisalign® treatment for teeth straightening, you will likely want details about the process. Read on to learn about what happens during and after Invisalign treatment. When you visit the orthodontist for a consultation, they will explain the specifics of what to anticipate during and after treatment. They will also discuss using…