It’s not always easy for parents to help their kids take care of their teeth and gums. Even when your little one brushes and flosses regularly, they can still miss certain spots. To prevent plaque and tartar from building up on these hard-to-reach areas, your child’s dentist may recommend pediatric sealants in Whittier, NC.
What You Should Know About Dental Sealants
They’re Applied to Molars
Molars are extremely textured because they’re designed for grinding up food. For this reason, food particles and plaque can easily accumulate in their pits and fissures. Since your child is likely to miss cleaning the areas in the back of their mouth, their chances of developing cavities on their molars are extremely high.
The most effective way to reduce the risk of tooth decay and cavity formation is through the application of dental sealants. These are thin coats of tooth-colored composite resin that are applied to the molars’ rough chewing surface. They serve as a protective barrier between your child’s tooth enamel and the bacteria responsible for tooth decay.
They’re Virtually Invisible
Since dental sealants are made from clear, white, or tooth-colored composite resin, you can be sure that they’re completely invisible once they’re placed over your child’s teeth.
They Need To Be Replaced After Two to Four Years
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dental sealants can prevent up to 80% of cavities within the first two years following their application. While these can be left on your child’s teeth, their effectiveness drops to about 50% by the third year and again after the fourth year.
To ensure that your child is protected against tooth decay and cavities, it’s best to have them replaced sooner rather than later.
They Involve a Non-Invasive Application
If you think that dental sealants aren’t easy for your child’s dentist to apply to their molars, think again. The process of application is quick, painless, and non-invasive. After the dentist cleans your child’s teeth, a sticky solution will be brushed on the surfaces of their molars to make sure the sealant binds tightly to them.
Once the dental sealants coat the tooth, your child’s dentist will use a special light to harden the substance. In just a matter of seconds, the sealants are dried, and your little one’s molars are sealed.
They’re Safe
Bisphenol (BPA) refers to the organic synthetic compound that’s been used to produce certain resins and plastics in the 1960s. Studies show that although the process of fabricating dental sealants can include BPA, this won’t compromise the safety of your children.
If you’re still concerned about this, you can ask your child’s dentist to use sealants that are completely BPA-free.
They’re Useful to Any Child
Unfortunately, the regular toothbrush can sometimes be incapable of cleaning the deep grooves of your child’s molars no matter how often they brush. The sealants offer another layer of protection to ensure the health of each tooth.
Considering Pediatric Sealants in Whittier, NC?
The team of dental experts at Cataloochee Dental Group is ready to help you maintain optimal oral health through the provision of comprehensive and preventative patient care. Contact us today to schedule your child’s consultation.