Parents wanting to ensure their kid's health and well-being should put a focus on kids dental work. While there are numerous illnesses and external threats to worry about when raising children, one prevalent epidemic, especially in the U.S., is early tooth decay, according to the CDC. Fortunately, cavities and other issues are preventable and treatable. One good defense, especially for permanent molars, is dental sealants.
Dental sealants are made of plastic or other dental materials and are adhered to the chewing surfaces of the hard-to-reach back teeth, the molars. These are some of the most challenging teeth to clean and protect because of their location, which means that food particles often get lodged in the teeth despite a child's best efforts. When these particles interact with the naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth, an acid is formed that creates holes or cavities. Dental sealants provide a barrier against this negative interaction in the mouth while also providing an easy-to-clean surface to prevent food buildup.
To truly understand the full benefits of dental sealants, it is necessary to realize they are more than a simple covering. These dental guards provide at least four types of protection for molars.
Kids dental cleanings and exams are all about eliminating threats to dental health. Sealants are a way to be proactive against tooth decay and ensure that teeth remain healthy and clean. Molars are difficult to maintain not only because of location but also structure. These teeth have pits and fissures to help chew and break down food. These grooves and hollows allow food to get trapped. However, a sealed molar eliminates these areas and creates a smoother surface that is easily cleaned with brushing.
Cavities and tooth decay stem from the development of plaque, which is typically formed from remnant food particles stuck in between a child's teeth. When it comes to molars, these in-between spaces for plaque can be safeguarded with sealants.
The American Dental Association describes dental sealants as a barrier that protects the enamel of the molar against plaque and acids. By protecting against plaque, the risk of other oral diseases, like gingivitis, is also limited because the diseases originate from the bacteria that resides in plaque.
While dental sealants can be applied to anyone at any age, these coverings are most effective for children when the first permanent molars appear. This treatment is preventative, and molars protected early on are at less at risk of decay. This in turn extends to protecting a child's overall dental health.
Parents who are diligent about kids dental exams and checkups likely understand the benefits of prevention. Therefore, be sure to consider the benefits of dental sealants. These dental tools offer significant protection against one of the most significant dental health issues facing children, tooth decay.
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