Many kids have trouble thoroughly brushing and flossing the rear of the mouth, which means these molars can become very vulnerable to tooth decay. But we can provide a preventive treatment that takes seconds to apply and protects these teeth. In today’s blog, your Shirley, NY, pediatric dentist talks about dental sealants.
How Cavities Form in the Molars
When children eat foods or consume beverages with lots of sugar, this leaves behind particles for harmful oral bacteria to consume, creating plaque buildup that weakens enamel to cause cavities. They may also have trouble brushing and flossing daily, or may simply forget too, which further increases the risk of cavities. As the decay forms, they may experience tooth sensitivity and toothaches, and a lack of treatment could mean the onset of an infection or even the premature loss of a tooth, which is why even when decay forms in baby teeth, treatment is necessary. But our team wants to offer treatment to lower the risk of tooth decay from occurring in the first place!
Applying Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are an acrylic layer that we apply to the rear teeth, which prevents food and drink particles from being stuck between teeth that children often have a difficult time reaching when they brush and floss. To apply them, we simply dry the teeth and apply the layers in a few seconds. Kids just need to avoid food and drink for about 30 minutes as the material cures fully. The sealants can stay in place for up to ten years in some cases, wearing away gradually with time, but clinging the longest to the more vulnerable portions of outer structure, so your kids can enjoy years of cavity protection. If needed, we can always re-apply during a checkup and cleaning visit.
Other Prevention Actions
Our team could also apply fluoride to the teeth in a varnish form during each checkup, so we can help strengthen the outer enamel and limit the risk of cavities forming. Again, this takes seconds and kids just need to avoid food and drink for about a half hour. With a dental cleaning, our team can remove all plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the smile, which helps lower the risk of tooth decay and gingivitis, and also fights bad breath and teeth stains. If you have any questions about how our team can help prevent the onset of a cavity, or fight gingivitis, with routine care and preventive treatments, then contact our team today. We would love to help your little ones enjoy good oral health!
Lower Your Child’s Risk of Tooth Decay
Our team offers preventive treatments to keep smiles free of tooth decay. You can schedule their next checkup by calling Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatrics in NY at 631.399.1600.
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