Protect Your Children with Dental Sealants:
If you are a parent, you probably know how difficult it is to get children to brush and floss regularly. On top of that, young children often lack the necessary motor skills to properly care for their teeth. At Miami Valley Smiles, we want your whole family to have excellent dental health – so here’s some information on how Mason dentist Dr. Phillip Lance can help protect your kids from tooth decay.
Kids and Cavities
In the back teeth, there are numerous nooks and crannies that toothbrushes can’t quite get to. Referred to as pits and fissures, these areas on the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars are particularly susceptible to tooth decay in children between the ages of 6 and 14. Food can easily get stuck in the tiny grooves and remain for long periods of time, which, combined with bacteria, creates the perfect environment for tooth decay and cavities. While regular brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining oral hygiene, these hard-to-reach areas may require additional protection. Dental sealants offer a preventive solution by providing a protective barrier over the pits and fissures, reducing the risk of decay and helping to keep children’s smiles healthy and cavity-free.
How Dental Sealants Can Help
Dental sealants are thin coatings of plastic applied directly to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. By covering areas where pit and fissure cavities are likely to form, dental sealants effectively seal out tooth decay and prevent cavities in these areas. Dental sealants are an excellent boost for dental health. Dr. Lance recommends children get sealants as soon as their first and second sets of permanent molars come in (usually at 6 and 12 years of age, respectively).
The process is quick and painless:
- The first step involves cleaning and drying the teeth that are to be sealed.
- Next, an acid solution is used to roughen the tooth surface and promote the sealant’s adhesion, followed by a rinse and drying.
- Finally, the sealant is painted directly onto the enamel (outer layer of the teeth) and allowed to dry and harden. A curing light may be used to help speed up the process.
Who Can Benefit from Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a versatile and beneficial option for a wide range of individuals:
Children and Adolescents: The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends sealants for the molars of children and teenagers as soon as these teeth erupt.
Adults at Risk: Adults who are at a higher risk of cavities, particularly those with deep grooves in their molars, can also benefit from the protective shield of sealants.
Anyone Seeking Prevention: Individuals of all ages looking to proactively prevent cavities can consider dental sealants as part of their preventive dental care routine.
Maintaining Sealant Success: Tips for Longevity
Ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of dental sealants requires some attention and care:
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor the condition of the sealants and address any concerns promptly.
- Oral Hygiene Practices: Maintain excellent oral hygiene habits, including regular brushing, flossing, and the use of fluoride toothpaste.
- Avoiding Chewing on Hard Objects: Encourage habits that avoid excessive pressure on the sealants, such as refraining from chewing on hard objects or ice.
Dental sealants stand as a testament to the power of preventive dentistry. By forming a protective barrier against cavity-causing factors, these sealants contribute to the long-term oral health of individuals of all ages. At Miami Valley Smiles, we believe in the strength of smiles, and dental sealants play a crucial role in preserving the beauty and health of those precious smiles. Schedule an appointment today to explore how dental sealants can be your smile’s greatest ally!
