Pediatric Dental Care: How Dental Sealants Protect Against Childhood Cavities

Pediatric Dental Care: How Dental Sealants Protect Against Childhood Cavities from Parkside Pediatric Dentists in Concord, CA Dental sealants can improve your child’s pediatric dental health. Baby teeth may be temporary, but they are important. Primary teeth act as guides for the emergence of adult teeth. If you want to know how pediatric dental sealants can protect your child’s teeth against cavities, here are the details.

How pediatric dental sealants do the work

Pediatric dentists paint a liquid sealant on the child’s teeth. This liquid hardens after a few minutes. It then resembles a plastic coating. The sealant acts like a barrier that shields the child’s teeth. It seals the grooves, crevices, and flat surfaces of the teeth. Molars are the teeth that need these dental sealants most.

Dental sealants protect the child’s teeth from decay and cavities. Studies show that pediatric dental sealants reduce cavities by 80% two years after application. The protective layer protects the child’s teeth from 50% of cavities for about four years after application. Pediatric dentists recommend the application of pediatric dental sealants when the first molars erupt. This often starts at six years of age. The child will need another sealant treatment by age 12 when the second molars emerge.

The effectiveness

Pediatric dentists find dental sealants effective in protecting baby and adult teeth. Tooth decay is a common problem in children ages six to 11 and also teenagers ages 12-19. Pediatric dental sealants are important in preventive pediatric dental care. Dentists often combine these sealants with professional dental cleanings, dental checkups, and fluoride treatments. Home oral care practices of parents and children also help pediatric dental sealants become more effective.

Preventive pediatric dental sealants are better than having cavity treatments. Dental restorations, such as dental fillings, are more expensive. These treatments also take longer and are often more invasive. Teeth without cavities are healthier and stronger.

The benefits

Pediatric dental sealants do not take much time to have. Once the pediatric dentist gets the tooth ready, the tooth gets an application of the liquid sealant. It then dries in minutes. Getting dental sealants is also non-invasive. It does not involve drills or injections.

Dental sealants also help children retain tooth material. A solid tooth is a strong tooth. Cavities erode natural tooth material. This weakens the tooth, leading to bigger dental concerns.

The right time

Pediatric dentists recommend that children should get pediatric dental sealants by six or seven years old. Another application of dental sealants should happen again by 12 or 13 years old. These are the ages when kids are vulnerable to cavities. Pediatric dental sealants protect children who love to eat sweets. These are also for those who have difficulty flossing and brushing. The sealants can prevent bacteria from taking advantage of inadequate dental cleaning.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Concord, CA

Pediatric dental sealants are important for your child’s oral health

Proper oral care starts with the right cavity prevention technique. Dental sealants can preserve the integrity of your child’s teeth. They can maintain your child’s oral health for at least a decade with proper care and maintenance. An appointment with your pediatric dentist can start your child’s lifelong journey to good dental health.

Request an appointment or call Parkside Pediatric Dentists at 925-504-4011 for an appointment in our Concord office.

Related Posts

Pediatric Dentistry Tools Used In Dental Exams: Digital X-Rays And More

Pediatric dentists need pediatric dentistry tools to examine and treat their young patients. A child’s mouth has a simple environment. Basic pediatric dentistry tools can help the dentist perform oral examinations. If you are going to bring your child to a dental exam for the first time, here are the pediatric dentistry tools to expect.This…

Pediatric Dentistry Information About Starchy Foods

Starchy foods often lead to damages from cavities. Children love to eat. Diet seems to play a significant role in a child’s dental health. Telling your child not to eat sweets is only half the battle. The real targets are starchy foods. If you want to find out some pediatric dentistry information regarding starchy foods,…

Ask A Pediatric Dentist About Thumb-Sucking And Pacifier Use

Your pediatric dentist can answer your questions about pacifier use and thumb-sucking. All newborns need to suck. It is an instinctive behavior for feeding. For some infants, sucking is calming and soothing. This adorable behavior can use thumbs or pacifiers. If you want to know more about pacifier use and thumb-sucking, here are some questions…

Related Posts

Pediatric Dentistry Tools Used In Dental Exams: Digital X Rays And More

Pediatric Dentistry Tools Used In Dental Exams: Digital X-Rays And More

Pediatric dentists need pediatric dentistry tools to examine and treat their young patients. A child’s mouth has a simple environment. Basic pediatric dentistry tools can help the dentist perform oral examinations. If you are going to bring your child to a dental exam for the first time, here are the pediatric dentistry tools to expect.This…

When A Pediatric Root Canal May Be Necessary

When A Pediatric Root Canal May Be Necessary

A pediatric root canal is sometimes necessary to prevent the loss of a decayed or damaged baby tooth. Although the goal is to prevent dental cavities and tooth infections, they can still develop, especially in young children (who, on average, are more prone to cavities than teens and adults). It is essential to quickly detect…