Will Dental Sealants Protect Your Child From Cavities?
April 10, 2019
Due to several factors, from sugary foods and drinks to poor oral hygiene habits, children may develop tooth decay. Treating the issue helps prevent infection and premature tooth loss. However, there are also steps parents in Kansas City, MO, can take to prevent cavities, including bringing their little ones to the dentist for preventive treatments, such as dental sealants.
The Causes of Tooth Decay in Childhood
For babies and toddlers, going to bed or laying down for a nap with a bottle of juice or milk is a common cause of decay. These drinks coat the teeth, leaving particles behind to be broken down by bacteria as your little one rests. This process leads to plaque buildup, enamel erosion, and tooth decay. Lack of proper brushing and flossing could also lead to cavities, as well as regular consumption of sugary snacks and drinks. If you don’t bring your little one in for periodic exams and cleanings, then cavities can form and go unnoticed until children experience pain and an elevated risk of dental infection.
Placing Your Dental Sealant
A dental sealant helps protect little smiles from the onset of cavities. Treatment involves apply a special acrylic coating the rear teeth, which are often difficult for kids to reach when brushing and flossing. Food doesn’t become caught between these teeth, and the risk of cavities decreases. The sealants will simply wear away with time, and we can re-apply in future visits if necessary. During your same visit, we may also discuss fluoride treatments. By applying a fluoride varnish to the teeth, we strengthen outer tooth enamel and help shore up natural smile defenses against the onset of tooth decay. With both options, application only takes a few minutes to complete.
Other Preventive Steps
Aside from our fluoride and dental sealants, what else can parents do to help protect little smiles? First, encourage them to drink more water and fewer sodas or energy drinks. Remember that even sports drinks contain acids that weaken tooth enamel. Adding fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, dairy products, or sugar-free gum as snacks over those high in sugars and acids is also beneficial. Your little ones need to brush daily twice, once in the morning and again before going to bed. Six-month visits for checkups and cleanings also protect little smiles. If you have any questions or concerns about safeguarding your child from tooth decay, then contact our team today.
Do Your Kids Need Preventive Care?
We want to help your children enjoy a healthy smile with our preventive treatment options. To learn more about children’s dentistry, then schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018. Let 2019 be the year you obtain a beautiful smile!