Practicing good dental hygiene habits is essential when it comes to preventing tooth decay. However, teeth are intricate and complex. Because they vary in shape and size it can be difficult to clean them thoroughly. This is especially true for molars because they are not only uneven but more susceptible to cavities because they are the main “chewers” in the back of your mouth.
A great way to protect your child from developing cavities on their back molars is to have sealants applied to these teeth. Dental sealants are a thin, protective layer your Boise dentist adheres to the chewing surface of molars to prevent bacteria and food particles from lodging in small crevices. This, in turn, prevents cavities from forming and are known to reduce tooth decay by nearly 80%. Keep in mind, however, dental sealants are no substitute for at-home care like regular brushing and flossing.
At Summit Dental, our Boise dentists recommend children get dental sealants when their permanent molars have fully grown in. Teenagers and adults who don’t have any signs of tooth decay can also get sealants as well to help prevent future cavities.
According to the Mayo Clinic, tooth decay occurs most often in the pits and fissures of your child’s back teeth (molars). These are the areas of teeth that your Boise dentist will apply sealants to reduce the number of cavities that form in these high-risk areas.
Keep in mind that dental sealants should be applied to your child’s teeth shortly after their permanent teeth have come in. This is typically between the ages of 5-10 years old. This treatment procedure is completely painless and is done at our Summit Dental office by the same friendly staff that your child is already familiar with from previous appointments.
At any given time, your child’s mouth is full of bacteria that, when combined with certain food or drink particles can produce acids that eat holes in their teeth (cavities). Sealants are a simple solution that prevents this process from happening.
As a quick and completely painless procedure, dental sealants are applied by painting an acidic gel onto the surface of your child’s teeth to rough it up and create a greater surface area for a sealant to adhere. Your child’s teeth will then be rinsed and dried before the actual sealant is applied. Last, a special blue light will be used to harden and set the dental sealant.
Dental sealants are a wonderful way to prevent cavities before they form. Even more, they typically last for several years before they need to be reapplied. Your Boise dentist at Summit Dental will check your child’s sealants during their regular bi-annual checkups.
Furthermore, many dental plans cover this preventative dental procedure, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider. Even if it’s not a covered service, dental sealants will save you considerable money compared to the treatment of fillings and other restorative procedures.
From regular checkups to teeth cleanings to dental sealants, Summit Dental has your child’s best interests in mind. Our family dental practice is always accepting new patients throughout the Treasure Valley and look forward to meeting you and your little ones to ensure their teeth are healthy and protected for years to come. Contact us by filling out our online form or call us at (208) 314-2275 today to schedule an appointment.
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