Your pediatric dentist may recommend dental sealants if you have a child who is between the ages of five and 14. You may not know that the most chronic childhood condition in the United States is tooth decay. For example, in Washington state alone, more than half of all third graders have cavities. The good news is that cavities are entirely preventable. Sealants can protect your child’s teeth. If you want to know more about dental sealants, here are some details that your pediatric dentist may share.
When a child drinks and eats, cavities can start to form. Mouths naturally have bacteria and germs in them. However, when the sugars from foods are added to the mix, a chemical reaction can occur. The bacteria in the mouth feed on the foods, which causes acid to form. Over time, this can wear away the enamel on the teeth.
Children’s enamel is not fully formed yet. This means that cavities can form more easily in children’s mouths. Pediatric dentists emphasize the importance of cavity prevention. If the baby teeth decay, permanent teeth can also decay. For children, learning how to floss and brush can prevent cavities. And this is why pediatric dentists recommend getting dental sealants.
In the back of a child’s mouth, there are teeth known as 12-year molars. Many baby teeth are replaced by permanent teeth starting around the age of seven. However, the 12-year molars can remain in a child’s mouth until, or even after, the age of 12. Because these molars must last for longer, it is vital to protect them.
Unfortunately, the 12-year molars have deeper grooves than the permanent molars do. This means it can be difficult for a child to fully clean the area twice a day. However, pediatric dentists recommend dental sealants because they can reduce cavities by as much as 80%. By covering the deep grooves in the teeth, children will not need to worry about brushing the area thoroughly.
The first molars usually come in around the age of six. Even though the second molars have not come in, it is a good idea to get a first round of dental sealants. After the second set of molars come in around the age of 12, children can get more dental sealants. Each sealant will last for about nine years. After this, the child may need new ones.
One misconception about dental sealants is that they can cover a cavity. However, if a child already has a cavity, then a sealant will not prevent the bacteria from spreading. Children who have cavities in the molars should have the cavities filled first. It is a good idea for a child to get sealants in place before cavities develop.
Carbohydrates are in every form of processed food and drink. It is not a secret that children love to snack on sugary products. These products stick to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. The bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugars on these surfaces. If the bacteria and sugars are not removed, the young teeth will suffer from cavities. The first and second molars will take the brunt of the damage.
Cavities lead to infection. That is why the attending pediatric dentist will recommend dental sealants. This form of prevention was introduced many decades ago. Children and teens tend to benefit from this preventive measure. With sealants, young patients can have more dental support and better dental health.
Molars or back teeth are often difficult to brush and floss. That is why molars need the most protection. Dental sealants cover every surface of the back teeth. The dental sealant will cover the grooves that usually harbor food particles and bacteria. This will make cleaning easier, especially if the young patient forgets to practice proper dental care.
Dental sealants are made of plastic resin. It is malleable enough for the pediatric dentist to push into the corners, pits, fissures, and grooves of the back teeth. The material is natural-looking enough to maintain the molar’s form and integrity. These sealants, combined with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleaning, can prevent cavities and infections.
Dental sealants may not be right for every child. However, many children can benefit from this type of treatment. It can help prevent cavities during the vulnerable years of tooth development. Taking children to pediatric dentists is a good idea. This allows dentists to determine if sealants are right for your children.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
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