In response to your four questions about dental sealants, the following is the information:
Caries, also known as tooth decay, is the form of chronic disease that affects children in the United States at a rate that is higher than any other. In the state of Washington, children in kindergarten have a cavity rate of nearly forty percent, while third graders have a cavity rate of nearly sixty-eight percent. Cavities are a typical dental issue, but the good news is that they do not have to be a cause for concern because they can be prevented.
In addition to brushing, flossing, and going in for checkups on a regular basis, dental sealants are another important measure that can be taken to protect children's teeth from developing cavities. Sealants can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Nevertheless, despite the significance of dental sealants, many parents do not have a good understanding of what they are, how they work, whether or not they are safe, and what they do to protect the teeth and oral health of children. This is a problem because dental sealants are important.
What exactly are the components that dental sealants are made of?
A dental sealant is a very thin protective coating that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of your child's back teeth, also known as molars. This helps to prevent cavities and protect the teeth from harmful bacteria. This helps to prevent cavities from developing. Sealants are used to fill the deep grooves that make it difficult for children to properly clean their teeth with a toothbrush. This makes it more important for children to have sealants than ever before. This offers additional defense against the development of cavities and tooth decay.
Cavities do not materialize out of thin air; rather, they are the end result of a process that involves gradual erosion. The bacteria that are already present in our mouths can obtain food from the sugar that is present in the foods that we eat. This process leaves harmful acids behind, which gradually wear away at our enamel and have a significant negative effect on our dental health. As a result, this process has a significant negative impact on our dental health.
Sealants have a lifespan of up to nine years and protect against some acids by acting as a shield against their harmful effects. Sealants do, however, lose some of their effectiveness over time (and can even fall off), which is why it is essential to have routine checkups with the dentist and to continue practicing good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing. In addition, it is important to remember to avoid eating foods that are high in sugar or carbohydrates.
Why Do Children Need to Have Dental Sealants Applied to Their Teeth?
It is critical to begin taking measures to avoid developing tooth decay at a young age. Cavities in baby teeth can lead to cavities in permanent teeth, which can cause issues with a person's oral health for the rest of their lives. Cavities in baby teeth can also cause pain in the gums. In children, the prevention of tooth decay even before it starts to form in their teeth is one of the most important roles that dental sealants play in the process of setting them up for success.
Sealants, which can be visualized as miniature levies the size of teeth, act as an additional barrier protecting our children's teeth from the gradual erosion that is caused by bacteria and acids in the mouth. Studies that were conducted by the American Dental Association found that the use of sealants brought about a reduction in the likelihood of developing cavities that was as high as 80 percent.
During the course of a routine cleaning appointment at the dentist's office, the sealant that will be applied to your child's teeth can be done so. It is a simple process that, in the vast majority of instances, entails carrying out the steps as follows:
After the teeth have been brushed and allowed to dry, they are given a second rinsing. • The back teeth are brushed, and then they are allowed to dry. • The back teeth are brushed, and then they are allowed to dry. A brush is used to apply the liquid sealant to the tooth, after which it is allowed to dry and harden in the mouth in a matter of minutes or so. In order to speed up the bonding and hardening process, there are instances in which a curing light is utilized as an aid.
After the sealant has been applied to your child's teeth, it is essential for them to keep up with their regular oral hygiene routine. This routine should include brushing, flossing, and using a fluoride rinse at least once per day.
When is the Optimal Time for Children to Have Sealants Placed in Their Teeth?
The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests using sealants on children between the ages of 5 and 14. Dental sealants are something you should discuss with your child's dentist when they are between the ages of 5 and 7 and getting their first permanent molars. This is the ideal time to get dental sealants for your child. An additional set of dental sealants can be applied to a child's teeth when they get their second set of permanent molars, which typically occurs between the ages of 11 and 14, according to the American Dental Association.
Another preventative measure that can be beneficial for adolescents who are at an increased risk of developing cavities is the use of dental sealants. Sealants are applied to the teeth.
How Much Does the Cost of Sealants Get Covered by Dental Insurance?
It is considered a preventative measure to have sealants placed on one's teeth, in the same vein as having routine dental examinations and receiving fluoride treatments. The vast majority of dental plans offer comprehensive coverage for preventive services and dental sealants; as a result, your child will be able to receive all of the protective sealants that they need at a cost that is minimal to none.
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Dr. Marianne Cohan was voted The Best Dentist/ Dental Office and Best Cosmetic Dentist from The Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2020 and 2021. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1992.
With an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, complete makeovers, and implant dentistry, Dr. Cohan is committed to continuing education and feels that we never stop learning. Dr. Cohan takes pride in using high-powered magnification to perform minimally invasive restorative dentistry. She uses all the latest technological advances including digital radiography, digital photography, computer simulations, and high-resolution pictures of your proposed treatment on 55-inch screens. She also utilizes CBCT (cone beam) and laser technology.
Dr. Cohan is always available to her patients and is available for any dental emergency.
