Children are very susceptible to tooth decay, especially in the rear teeth. These molars are sometimes difficult for kids to reach! Which is why we can offer a protective layer to keep cavities at bay. In today’s blog, your Shirley, NY, pediatric dentist and orthodontist talks about dental sealants.
The Causes of Childhood Cavities
Children are very susceptible to cavities, even as babies. The outside of the teeth are coated in enamel, the strongest substance in the human body. But plaque buildup could weaken the enamel and lead to tooth decay. Plaque buildup itself is brought on by exposure to too much sugar and starch, especially if your little one falls asleep with a bottle of milk or juice. Lack of proper brushing and flossing, and infrequent visits for cleanings are also factors. Without treatment, tooth decay, even in baby teeth, will grow in severity and eventually cause premature tooth loss. This in turn means unsightly gaps and the risk of dental misalignment, which will require orthodontic care in their teen or adult years. But with a preventive approach using dental sealants, we can help kids avoid the onset of tooth decay!
Placing Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a thin layer of acrylic that we place on the molars in the rear of your child’s mouth. These layers prevent food and drink particles from becoming stuck between the rear teeth, which are often more difficult for kids to reach and clean when they brush and floss. As a result, the overall risk of cavities reduces significantly. The application only takes a few minutes. Our team will clean the teeth and then add a topical acidic gel to roughen the surfaces, the sealants cling to the teeth as they cure with a light. Once cured, your kids avoid food and drink for about 30 minutes. These layers can stay in place for up to ten years, wearing away gradually with time. Even as they wear away, they tend to cling to the more vulnerable portions of the teeth the longest!
What About Fluoride Treatments?
During each checkup and cleaning visit, our team can also apply a special topical gel to the teeth. This fluoride gel helps strengthen the enamel on all of the teeth, repairing the compromised portions and limiting the risk of tooth decay.
If you have any questions about dental sealants, or about our fluoride treatments, then contact our team today to learn more. Let’s help kids stay cavity-free!
Your Shirley, NY, Orthodontist and Pediatric Dentist About Avoiding Cavities
Our team is here to help your kids avoid the onset of tooth decay. To learn more about protecting little smiles, then contact Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Shirley, NY, by calling (631) 399-1600.
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