Pediatric Dentistry: Teeth Cleaning and Dental Sealants for Children

Dr. Gary Sigafoos • Aug 09, 2015

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about seventy percent of children in America would have become victims of cavities by the time they turn 19. Also known as tooth decay, cavities are among the leading causes of pain and oral infections in children.


Of course, the best way to avoid it is through proper teeth cleaning and maintaining good oral care habits, but like everyone knows, kids will be kids. This means that it is almost impossible for them to practice ideal dental hygiene procedures at their young age, especially with the presence of numerous sugary goodies today.


To help boost the efforts of pediatric dentistry in preventing these cavities from attacking your children, you could consider having dental sealants applied on their teeth. This is a thin plastic covering, usually applied on the chewing surfaces of the teeth (molars and premolars), which helps foil any forays of tooth decay.


The molars and premolars are the most suitable candidates for these sealants because they are the most likely places for cavities to develop and spread. They are covered with tiny grooves that retain food particles and bacteria. Unfortunately, most toothbrush bristles are not able to reach all these crevices, making molars and premolars the perfect breeding grounds for tooth decay.


With dental sealants, those crevices are smoothed out and made impervious to decays. In the long run, sealants prove to be a safe and more efficient dental procedure, especially in terms of cost. Since the chances of tooth decay are significantly reduced with these sealants, the chances of costly dental treatments in the future are also lessened.


Typically, children should be given sealants as soon as their chewing teeth come out. This way, the sealant can protect their teeth all through their most cavity-prone years. Sealants can last for up to a decade, only requiring regular checks for chipping during the children’s dental check-ups. If need be, your dentist can replace the sealant.


According to the American Dental Association, the short and long-term benefits of cavity prevention through thorough teeth cleaning and dental sealants are enough for anyone to consider them.


If you’re thinking of using sealants for you or your kids in San Diego, speak with your dentist to find out more about the costs, duration and other details of the procedure. Some dental practices near Poway, like A+ Family Dentistry, offer very flexible financing options, so protecting your children’s teeth from tooth decay doesn’t necessarily have to be a strain on your pocket.


Source:

Dental Sealants: Is My Child a Candidate? Know your Teeth

The Benefits of Dental Sealants For Children. Colgate Oral Center

Dental Health: Sealants. Web MD

DR. JUSTINE DOAN, DDS

General and Restorative Dentist

Dr. Justine Doan has considerable postgraduate training including a fellowship program and a year-long surgical externship in implantology. She was elected as one of the 40 Top Dentists Under 40 in the U.S. for 2015 by Incisal Edge magazine. Dr. Justene is a highly trained general dentist and focuses on dental implants and restorative cases.

DR. Janice DOAN, DDS

General and Cosmetic Dentist

Dr. Janice Doan practices general and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Janice received her Doctor of Dental Science degree from the University of Southern California. Since graduating, she has completed a number of continuing education programs in a variety of subjects. Dr. Janice was named a Top 40 Under 40 dentist by Incisal Edge magazine in 2015.

DR. Roger Tran, DDS

General, COsmetic & Restorative Dentist

Dr. Roger Tran practices general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. He graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Southern California. Since graduating, he has received advanced training in many areas of dentistry. He has also volunteered through the Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center.

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