A family dentist may have suggested getting dental sealants during your last appointment. With tooth decay being the most common oral issue in children between the ages of six and 19, according to the CDC, dental sealants provide extra protection for the teeth to prevent its occurrence and resulting dental problems. This article explains why dental sealants are an excellent option to consider.
Cavities do not develop overnight — they are the result of gradual tooth erosion. The bacteria present in the mouth feast on the sugar present in food particles. This process generates acids that cause the gradual deterioration of the enamel.
Early cavity prevention is paramount. Cavities in baby teeth can cause premature tooth loss, cavities in permanent teeth, and other oral issues. Preventing cavities before they happen is important, which is where dental sealants come in.
Dental sealants are a protective covering made from plastic material and bonded to the chewing surface of the teeth by a dentist. They cover and protect the back teeth used for grinding (molars and premolars) so that bacteria and food particles do not get trapped in the grooves and crevices. Sealants fill the deep grooves of the teeth that are usually hard to clean properly when brushing.
Although they are not designed as a substitute for good oral hygiene practices, they provide better protection against issues such as tooth decay and infections. Children are usually more vulnerable to cavities, so the extra protection offered by dental sealants is sometimes necessary to reduce the occurrence.
To complement brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash, a family dentist might also recommend dental sealants for children who still have their primary teeth, especially if the dentist thinks they are more susceptible to cavities. Many parents erroneously assume that protecting the primary teeth is not necessary since they will eventually fall out. Nevertheless, maintaining proper oral health at this early stage helps to ensure that the adult teeth erupt in good condition and proper alignment.
The American Dental Association recommends sealants for kids between ages five and 14, which is when the first molars typically start erupting. Another application can be done when another set of molars comes in, often between ages 11 and 14. The procedure is also an excellent preventive care measure for teenagers that are prone to cavities.
As mentioned earlier, dental sealants are not meant to be a substitute for proper oral hygiene. Parents should guide their children in the right ways to care for the teeth, including brushing and flossing at least twice a day. It is also important to limit foods and drinks with high sugar content to reduce the occurrence of cavities. Regular appointments with a family dentist can help kids learn the essence of good oral care.
To learn more about dental sealants and why a family dentist recommends this preventive treatment, get in touch with our dental office today to schedule a consultation visit.
Request an appointment here: https://www.presidentialdentalcare.com or call Presidential Dental at (610) 664-1641 for an appointment in our Philadelphia office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in Philadelphia, PA.
A family dentist is the person to talk to if you or a family member has one or more decayed teeth. These oral professionals have the necessary training and experience to provide dental services to all your family members.Acids made by oral bacteria cause tooth decay by eating away at teeth structures. Bacteria convert the…
There are many important characteristics that a kid friendly dentist can offer that many others do not. This includes friendly communication, non-invasive procedure options, and positive reinforcement for children. The memories that children form with the dentist at a young age can have a lasting impact and positive memories help reduce the risk of dental…
An emergency dentist provides the urgent dental care you need when you need it. Minor dental issues like cavities do not get significantly worse if they are not treated immediately, but issues like an infection can become a life-threatening issue during that period. People who cannot afford to wait for a routine dental appointment to…
TMJ disorder, or temporomandibular joint disorders, refers to a group of issues related to mobility and discomfort around the jaw joints. The temporomandibular joints are the joints that link the lower jawbone (mandible) to the skull. More than any other joint in the body, these flexible joints are constantly in use, performing actions such as…