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Although cavities can affect anyone (the majority of adults in the US have had at least one), they can still develop in your child’s teeth, and are sometimes more likely to do so. When it comes to protecting your children’s smiles, your family dentist plays a significant role in successful, long-term cavity prevention. Also, keeping your child’s teeth cavity-free can promote better dental health for them as adults. Today, we explore how dental sealants can make cavity prevention easier for kids, as well as what you can teach them to reduce their risks of developing dental health issues.

How Cavities Form

A cavity is a hole in your tooth, and usually, it forms as a result of a bacterial infection (called tooth decay) spreading through the tooth. Left alone, the cavity will grow as the decay spreads, and eventually it could lead to tooth loss and a host of other dental complications. The best way to prevent decay and infection is to teach your children excellent hygiene practices, like brushing and flossing at least twice every day, and attending a dental checkup and cleaning every six months.

How Can Dental Sealants Help?

Dental sealants describe thin, acrylic coatings that are “painted” onto the chewing surfaces of teeth, usually molars. The coating blocks the tooth from infectious oral bacteria that could lead to plaque development and cavities. This is particularly useful on children’s molars, where the grooves and cusps of the chewing surfaces can promote a greater accumulation of harmful bacteria and plaque. Over time, the sealant will dissolve, meaning there is no need to revisit our office to have the preventive coatings removed.

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD, TX, CHILDREN’S DENTISTS:

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call 817-473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.