Does Your Child Need Dental Sealants?

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During the summer, children may be more likely to snack on sugary treats, and grab a soda or energy drink over a glass of water. As a result, the risk of tooth decay could increase. In order to help safeguard little smiles in Dallas, TX, we may offer dental sealants. With this unique acrylic coating, we can help protect vulnerable smiles from tooth decay.

What Causes Cavities?

Cavities are a common oral health problem, one that impacts babies, toddlers, kids, and adults and seniors. The issue occurs when harmful bacteria is no longer kept at bay by the outer layers of tooth enamel. The bacteria reach the inner tooth structure. Mainly composed of dentin, which is more sensitive than outer enamel, this enables a cavity to form. The causes of decay could be poor oral hygiene or injury to the tooth, all of which could damage enamel and lead to tooth decay. Without treatment, little smiles may begin to experience tooth sensitivity and toothaches. In some cases, an infection could eventually from and require the tooth’s removal!

Caring for Little Smiles from Home

We can avoid the risk of severe tooth decay and premature tooth loss with prevention. Routine care helps reduce the risk of cavities forming. For example, children of all ages need to brush twice daily, once when waking up and again before going to bed. When there are teeth sitting side-by-side in their mouths, flossing is also essential and should be performed before going to bed. These actions remove food particles, preventing bacteria from breaking them down, a process that causes plaque buildup and weakens tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Kids also benefit from healthy snack options, such as low-fat yogurt, fruits, veggies, and nuts instead of sugary candy or chocolate. Instead of sports drinks, energy drinks, fruit juice, and sodas, offer your little ones a glass of water.

Dental Sealants

For children with a high risk of cavities, we may suggest placing preventive dental sealants. Treatment begins with placement of a special acrylic coating on the rear teeth. This coating prevents food from becoming stuck between the rear molars, which are hard for kids to reach when brushing and flossing on their own. The sealants will wear away naturally over time, and if necessary, we can reapply them in future visits. If you have any questions about avoiding tooth decay, or about the benefits of dental sealants, then contact our team today.

Gentle Smiles Family Safeguards Little Smiles

Our team would like to help your little ones enjoy healthy smiles throughout the summer. To learn more about family dentistry, then please contact us today by calling 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE) to schedule an appointment with your Dallas, TX, dentist!