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.
If your child needs dental help, a kid friendly dentist is a good choice. This professional has the knowledge and training to handle preventive maintenance and restorative care for your son or daughter. The dentist can assist with a wide variety of issues, including the most serious issues that may arise. From the time your…
Pediatric dental X-rays enable pediatric dentists to keep an eye on the oral health of their young patients. Dentists can use periodic X-rays to catch dental problems in their earliest stages. They can also use X-rays to confirm and ensure that children’s jaws are developing as they should. This brief FAQ covers the most common…
Pediatric dentistry services help children learn healthy dental habits and practices that allow them to avoid oral health concerns and keep a great smile for decades. This review focuses on the educational services that pediatric dentists offer.Pediatric dentistry focuses on preventing cavities and other oral health concerns and developing healthy dental habits at a young…
Orthodontics aims to improve the alignment of your teeth. Doing so improves the way that your smile looks and makes it easier to keep your teeth clean, protecting you against tooth decay and gum disease.Clear aligners provide a discreet way to straighten teeth. They allow patients to avoid having to deal with metal wires and…
Orthodontics typically involves wearing oral appliances like braces or clear aligners in order to straighten teeth. These devices work by constantly pushing on the wearer’s teeth, moving them to more desirable positions over time. Teeth misalignment can lead to a less aesthetically pleasing smile and a variety of oral issues, like gum disease. Getting appropriate…