As your child’s baby teeth start to make way for more permanent ones, there is much you can do to promote the future health of these teeth. The dentists at Perfect Dental Care in New York, New York turn to easy-to-apply sealants to protect your child’s teeth from decay, setting them up for a lifetime of good dental health. If you’re in the Manhattan area, call or book an appointment online.
Sealants protect your child’s teeth, especially the back molars, where most cavities develop in children. They're made of clear or shaded plastic, and the dentist applies them to the grooved and pitted surfaces of your child’s teeth to prevent plaque buildup in these hard-to-reach spaces.
Typically, the dentists at Upper East Pediatric Dentistry wait until your child’s first permanent molar comes in and the chewing surface is fully exposed before applying sealant. After the first tooth is protected, the dentist tackles the rest of your child’s permanent teeth as they come in, which takes years (usually between the ages of six and 13). In all, your child develops 32 teeth, 16 in each jaw. The dentist usually only applies sealant to your child’s back teeth because they do most of the heavy lifting concerning chewing and, as a result, are the most prone to decay.
Applying sealant is quick, easy, and poses no discomfort to your child. The procedure only requires one visit. Here’s how it works:
The dentist thoroughly cleans the teeth to be treated
The dentist conditions and dries each tooth
The dentist applies the sealant
Using a special light, the dentist hardens the sealant
Since the sealant is hardened in the office, your child will be able to eat and drink as soon as he or she wants after the appointment.
With proper care, sealants can last for years, which means your child’s teeth are protected from cavities during the years when tooth decay is most common. The dentists check on the sealants during routine checkups and provide advice on when reapplication or repair is necessary.
Yes, even with sealants, brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining your child’s oral health. Other important ways to protect your child’s teeth include:
Eating a balanced diet
Limiting snacking throughout the day
Regular visits to Upper East Pediatric Dentistry