When kids consume lots of sugary foods and drinks, and don’t practice good oral hygiene, it’s a combination that soon leads to painful cavities. In order to avoid the onset of tooth decay, we may discuss preventive care for families in Mansfield, TX. Let’s look at how dental sealants can aid in cavity prevention for kids of all ages!
Tooth Decay in Kids
Our teeth have a very strong outer layer of tooth enamel, which is designed to protect them from injury. Despite being the hardest substance in the human body, poor oral hygiene or injury can weaken and damage this layer, enabling harmful bacteria to reach the inner layers of dentin, which are much more sensitive. A cavity then forms, which could cause serious toothaches and discomfort as they grow more severe over time. Treatment will then be necessary to prevent an infection. If the cavity forms in a baby tooth, we still suggest treatment to prevent premature tooth loss and the onset of dental misalignment as a result.
Dental Sealants
To help children with a high risk of forming cavities protect their smiles, we may prescribe a dental sealant. After cleaning and drying the rear teeth, we apply a special acrylic coating. The material adheres to the teeth and prevents food particles from becoming stuck between them. Since the rear molars are difficult for children to reach when they brush and floss, this layer helps prevent tooth decay. The sealants will wear away with time and if necessary, we can apply them again in future visits. Placement only takes a few minutes and can be completed during your child’s routine checkup and dental cleaning visit. We may also discuss fluoride treatments and educate your child on proper brushing and flossing!
Preventive Care at Home
In addition to dental sealants, good oral hygiene and homecare can help reduce the risk of cavities as well. For example, try to cut back on your child’s consumption of sugary foods and drinks. Also, make sure your little one is bruising properly in the morning and again before going to bed. Flossing before sleep is as crucial for removing food particles and preventing cavities. Make time for regular visits every six months, so we can monitor your child’s smile and remove plaque buildup. Working together, we can help your little one enjoy healthy smiles for years to come. If you have any questions about preventive treatment or homecare, then please contact our team today.
Ready for Children’s Dentistry?
We want to help your little ones enjoy optimal oral health with a preventive approach to children’s dentistry! For more information on helping your kids enjoy optimal oral health, schedule a consultation by calling our dentist’s office in Mansfield, TX, today at 817-473-6227.
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