We know the risk that cavities pose for kids of all ages, from babies and toddlers to teens. Which is why we offer preventive treatment to help lower the risk of cavities. In today’s blog, your Shirley, NY, pediatric dentist and orthodontist talks about how we help lower the risk of cavities with dental sealants.
The Causes of Cavities in Little Smiles
How does a cavity form in your child’s smile? Tooth decay could happen when the outer enamel is weakened, allowing harmful oral bacteria to bypass it and reach the sensitive inner layers of dentin. Decay then forms and will grow and spread throughout the tooth. Factors behind the weakened enamel include poor brushing and flossing and a diet high on sugar and starch. These factors create plaque buildup that weakens enamel. Injury or teeth grinding could also be a factor. We can offer treatment with a filling, but we would rather help prevent a cavity from forming in the first place!
Dental Sealants for Kids
Dental sealants provide cavity protection for kids of all ages. We know that children tend to have trouble reaching the rear teeth when they brush and floss. Which means food and drink particles remain lodged there, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Our team can simply coat the molars in a thin layer of acrylic, which covers them and prevents particles of sugar and starch from being trapped between these teeth. The application process only takes a few seconds, and children just need to avoid food and drink for about a half hour as the material cures. The sealants can stay in place for up to ten years in some cases. They wear away gradually with time and we can re-apply them as needed.
Preventing Tooth Decay
You can also help protect them from cavities by making sure they maintain good oral hygiene habits. Monitor your kids to ensure they are brushing for two minutes in the morning and at night with a fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles. Kids should also avoid too much sugar and starch in their diets, and see our team for routine checkups and cleanings every six months, which should start as young as age two.
If you have any questions about how our team will use dental sealants to help prevent a cavity and safeguard little smiles, then contact our team today. We want to help keep little smiles strong and free of painful issues like tooth decay. If a cavity does form, we can offer treatment in one visit with a lifelike composite resin dental filling.
Fighting Childhood Cavities in Shirley, NY
We want to help safeguard children against the onset of tooth decay. To find out more about us, call Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Shirley, NY at 631.399.1600 today.
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