Fighting tooth decay is a constant and challenging battle for children; constant because the bacteria that lead to cavities are always present in their mouths and challenging because little hands may have a difficult time adequately brushing and flossing their teeth. Because of this, the dentists and their dedicated team of dental assistants and hygienists at Complete Dental Care may suggest additional measures that are very helpful. In particular, your children’s dentist in Burlington often recommends dental sealants.
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a solid barrier between teeth and the bacteria and acids that cause tooth decay. These protective coatings are easy to apply and only take a few minutes, but can provide years of cavity protection.
At one of your child’s regular dental checkups, we’ll “paint” the clear plastic sealant material onto the enamel surface of back teeth, or molars. The liquid plastic quickly seeps into the pits and fissures of these teeth where it bonds to the enamel. A curing light is then used to speed the hardening process. For as long as the sealants are intact, the surface of your children’s teeth are protected against cavities. We’ll check the integrity of their sealants at each one of their checkups and reapply if necessary. Dental sealants are designed to withstand the pressure of everyday chewing and biting.
Cavity Prevention with the Children’s Dentist in Burlington
In addition to having dental sealants applied to your children’s teeth, there are a number of other steps you can take to help prevent cavities from developing throughout childhood.
- If your infant uses a pacifier, never put it in your mouth. You’ve probably seen a parent do this to “clean” a pacifier that’s fallen on the floor. Don’t! The germs in your mouth are then transferred directly into your child’s mouth and this can be the beginning of a colony of decay-causing bacteria.
- Make sure your children brush their teeth twice each day with an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste. Help them brush until they are seven or eight years old, and then supervise when they brush on their own.
- Give your children healthy foods—fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fish, whole grains—and limit snacks in between meals.
- Schedule regular dental cleanings and exams for your children with the dentist in Burlington at Complete Dental Care.
Call Our Office Today
If you would like your children’s smiles to be protected with dental sealants, then schedule a visit at Complete Dental Care in Burlington, MA.
