19 Nov How Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities in Kids
Kids don’t always have the best brushing habits, and the back teeth in particular can be difficult to clean. In fact, because the molars have such deep crevices, they’re the most likely place for kids to get cavities.
Dental sealants create a smooth surface that’s easier for kids to keep clean. They’re a great way to protect molars with deep crevices or imperfect enamel. If you’re wondering how to prevent cavities in kids, dental sealants are a great way to keep your your kid’s smile cavity-free.
How Do Dental Sealants Work?
Getting dental sealants is a lot like getting a cavity filled, but without the drilling. Sealants use the same materials as fillings, but instead of repairing cavities, sealants prevent them. The sealant fills all the tiny crevices on the chewing surface of the molar, and prevents food from getting stuck. Daily brushing is still needed to prevent plaque buildup and cavities in other parts of the tooth, but dental sealants protect the most vulnerable areas.
Do Dental Sealants Need to Be Replaced?
Sealants only last five to ten years, so they will need to be replaced at some point. Kids who got sealants in grade school may need new ones before they finish high school. Dental insurance usually only covers sealants for people under the age of 18, so if your kid is now a teenager, it’s a good idea for them to get a new set of sealants while they’re still eligible.
It’s also important to remember that dental sealants are most effective when they’re new. They can prevent up to 80% of cavities during the first two years, and 50% of cavities for the next two years. If your teenager doesn’t have the best brushing habits or eats a lot of processed food, getting a new set of sealants will help protect their teeth into adulthood.
How to Prevent Cavities in Kids
- Get dental checkups every six months. Dental exams are the only way to detect cavities while they’re still small. Their dentist can also warn you about potential problems, and offer preventive treatments like dental sealants.
- Encourage good brushing habits. Make sure your kids are brushing twice a day, no matter what. And even if it seems like they have a good handle on tooth care, it doesn’t hurt to check in and make sure they’re brushing and flossing thoroughly.
- Push the healthy snacks. We know that it’s not easy to get most kids to eat their veggies. But limiting their access to processed foods and sugary drinks will go a long way toward preventing tooth decay.
- Make sure they’re drinking enough water. A hydrated mouth is a healthy mouth. Drinking water helps prevent cavities in three different ways. It washes away food particles and bacteria, helps neutralize the pH balance of the saliva, and remineralizes the tooth enamel.
Holistic Dentistry for Kids in Prescott, Arizona
At Prescott Dentistry, we use biomimetic dental materials that are safer and healthier—no mercury amalgam fillings here! If you’re looking for holistic alternatives, we can advise you on the safest, most effective treatments for your child. Make sure your kids grow up with a healthy smile—contact us to schedule their next dental checkups today.
Photo by Willo Team on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 11/4/24.