Dental Sealants are Effective Prevention Measures for Kids
The majority of cavities in permanent back teeth occur in the grooves of teeth. Deep pits and fissures on adult teeth are an area that is not easily cleaned by a toothbrush. Dental sealants are simple to place, and effective at reducing the risk of cavities on teeth.
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If your child has had cavities in their baby teeth they may benefit from sealants. Children who have had cavities on their baby teeth may experience more cavities in their adult teeth. Sealants are a protective coating that cover the chewing surfaces of teeth; where the majority of cavities occur in adult teeth. If you are unsure if your child can benefit from dental sealants contact Arctic Dental to schedule a consultation and evaluation to see if your child can benefit from sealants.
Pediatric Dental Sealants
Sealants are a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth. The tops of teeth have deep grooves which food and debris can become easily stuck and difficult to remove even with a toothbrush. When sugars and starches remain in the grooves of teeth cavities can easily form.
At Arctic Dental, we focus on preventative measures to avoid costly dental treatment.
Most children have dental sealants placed when their six year molars have erupted. Depending upon your child’s development this can occur from age five to seven. Our office will evaluate the eruption and timing of your child’s adult teeth to maximize the effectiveness of our prevention measures.
Can Baby Teeth Get Sealants?
Baby teeth can have sealants placed. The majority of cavities in baby teeth occur between teeth, rather than in the grooves of teeth. This is opposite of adult teeth. Some children who have deeper grooves, or the start of cavities in baby teeth, will benefit from sealants on their baby teeth. Our pediatric dentist Dr. Jarod Johnson will evaluate your child’s teeth and provide a recommendation based on your child’s individual needs.
What to Expect for Your Child’s Sealant Procedure
Sealants are a non-invasive dental procedure, they do not require “shots” or numbing of the teeth. Most children will tolerate sealants well. It is important that teeth stay dry during the sealant process. Your child may have cotton or gauze placed in the mouth to assist in keeping teeth dry. A rubber dam or isolation device (a dental vacuum) may also be used to keep teeth dry during the sealant process. Your child will remain comfortable throughout the process, and can resume eating and normal activity afterwards.
How Long Do Sealants Last?
Dental sealants are made from a thinly layered composite resin that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth, forming a transparent coating. Sealants typically last for nine years before they need replacing.
However, their prime effectiveness only lasts for the first two years before wear and tear get the best of them. Sealants will still retain their effectiveness through the third and fourth years but will start taking a beating after the fourth one. You see, with continued chewing, clenching, and grinding, the sealants gradually wear off until they wear off completely at about the 9th year.
Still, there’s no guarantee that your sealant will last up until the ninth year. That’s why it’s important to schedule regular dental visits to check your sealants. Also, follow your dentist’s instructions on how to care for your sealants to get the most out of them. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth every day, and avoiding hard and crunchy foods.
While brushing your teeth, it’s important to steer clear of abrasive toothpastes and toothbrushes with hard bristles. These scrape the sealants and exacerbate their wear and tear, compromising their longevity. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush with fluoride toothpaste and brush in gentle swirling motions.
In addition to brushing your teeth, you should also use a fluoride rinse to strengthen and protect the enamel. Also, avoid sticky foods that promote the breaking down of the sealant. Examples of sticky foods to avoid include toffee, caramel, candy, chocolate, cakes, and cookies.
What Are Some Additional Ways to Prevent cavities in Children?
About 60% to 90% of school going children will suffer from dental caries. Parents can take proactive steps to prevent cavities in their kids. The best way to do so is by brushing their teeth as soon as the first teeth emerge. You can even take it up a notch by wiping your baby’s gums with a clean washcloth to remove bacteria before the teeth emerge.
Use a rice-sized glob of toothpaste for children below three years old, and use a pea-sized one for children above three years. Also, encourage brushing and proper oral hygiene habits in your kids by making it fun and exciting. Floss your child’s teeth every day once they reach two years old. Also, restrict their diet to minimize the consumption of sugary foods like candies, cookies, and others. Also, don’t forget to schedule regular dental visits to check for early signs of cavities and get expert advice for keeping cavities at bay.
Another almost effortless way to prevent cavities in your children is by ensuring they drink lots of water every day. Water washes away bacteria from the teeth and prevents the build-up of acid that leads to cavities. Discourage sharing utensils and bottles among your children. Swapping utensils means wapping saliva and mouth bacteria from one kid to the next. Have designated utensils for each kid and don’t allow them to share them, especially in a single sitting.
*Accepting new patients from Muscatine and areas near West Liberty, Columbus Junction, Wapello, Tipton, Wilton, Durant, Stockton, Walcott, Blue Grass.