How To Reduce Your Child's Risk Of Cavities With One Dental Treatment
Nobody likes going through cavities, but it's particularly troubling for children. Children tend to be frightened more easily by things like dental drills, and nobody wants to see their child in pain from a cavity. If you want to do what you can to keep your child from getting cavities, regular brushing, flossing, fluoride mouthwash, and trips to the dentist can help. However, there's one treatment in particular that a dentist can provide your child with that can help to protect them from cavities. Here's what you should know about it.
Dental Sealants
The thing your dentist can offer your child is dental sealants. Dental sealants cover a tooth in a protective layer, providing protection from harmful bacteria and plaque. With the enamel of the tooth covered, bacteria can't settle in and do damage by chewing into the enamel of the tooth. Since dental sealants aren't made of living material, bacteria can't do much against them at all, meaning dental sealants not only work but they last.
How They Work
Dental sealants use the same material as dental bonding, but a different application method. When a tooth is damaged, such as it gets a chip, dental bonding is applied to rebuild the structure of the tooth and to restore its appearance. Dental sealants, on the other hand, are simply applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth. There's no need for drilling, and there's typically no visual impact on the tooth at all. The dental bonding material is designed to look just like real teeth with the same luster and white color. This means your child's teeth will simply look good.
What to Expect
Getting dental sealants for your child is a very easy procedure and one that won't leave your child feeling scared. The easiest way to describe it is to compare it to painting one's nails. A dentist will thoroughly clean your child's teeth first and check for damage to make sure that they're in good shape. If everything looks fine, they'll essentially paint the dental bonding material onto the chewing surfaces of your child's molars. Then, a special light will be used to quickly harden the sealants. Once the sealant has hardened, the process is complete and your child can go right back to daily life.
Dental sealants can provide an extra layer of protection against cavities for kids. They may be what helps to keep your child from needing a drilled tooth someday, so talk to a dentist about this preventative treatment. For more information, contact a preventative dental care service.
