Were you aware that by age 19, roughly 70% of children in America will have a minimum of one cavity, at least? If left unattended, cavities can lead to acute discomfort and possibly infection. Dental sealants have proven to be one of the most effective tools for guarding against cavities. When considering oral sealants, it is necessary to consult a knowledgeable dental professional to ascertain if they are the best solution for your child. Keep reading to discover current solutions to some of the usual concerns over oral sealants.
Cavities are triggered by tooth decay, or damage to the tooth. When simple sugars in food remain on the teeth, the bacteria in the mouth converts them to acids. The food particles, saliva, acid, and bacteria in the mouth combine, forming plaque. Plaque acids dissolve the external coating of the tooth, allowing the formation of small holes called cavities.
An oral sealant is a thin, plastic resin covering that is applied to the back teeth chewing surfaces. Brushing and flossing can help get rid of plaque from the smooth surface areas of the teeth, however they have difficulty reaching into the deep grooves of the molars and premolars. Sealants have been developed to prevent tooth decay by covering or “sealing” the deep depressions of the teeth to provide a barrier, keeping food particles and bacteria out.
Oral sealants are fast and pain-free in their application. After carefully cleaning the teeth, the sealant is painted onto the enamel, where it is allowed to harden and bond into the uneven chewing surfaces. The dentist may additionally use a special UV light to assist the sealant in hardening.
Sealants can be seen, but only under close scrutiny. Sealants are usually clear, somewhat tinted, or white, and are not visible when a kid smiles or speaks. Sealants may offer a smoother surface to the back teeth, however they are normally only detectable with the tongue for the first day or two.
Sealants can be effective for 5 to 10 years with correct care. Great oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing twice a day and not chewing hard foods like ice, hard candies, or popcorn kernels will maintain the sealants longer. Regular oral examinations are also essential to examine and repair the sealants as required.
Although it seems like a terrific idea, sealants don’t work on the smooth surfaces of the teeth. Sealants are intended to bond to the rough and irregular chewing surface areas of the back teeth.
The following are the most typical advantages of dental sealants:
Because kids carry a higher risk of suffering tooth decay, they are the perfect candidates for dental sealants. The American Dental Association suggests that all kids have sealants applied on their adult molars once they come in to prevent avoidable tooth decay. The first permanent molars usually appear between the ages of 5 and 7 and the second permanent molars between the ages of 11 and 14 years old. Some teenagers and adults that are predisposed to decay issues may also be considered appropriate candidates for dental sealants. Visiting with an experienced dentist is the first step in deciding whether dental sealants are the correct solution for you or your child
Going to the dentist is not everybody’s favorite activity. While there might be absolutely nothing to move these visits to the top of your “preferred things” list, there are some actions you can take to keep yourself from dreading the visits quite so much.
There are some simple things you can do to ensure you have a more pleasant experience: bring your own entertainment, consider your visit a break, and share the appointments with a good friend.
Almost every dentist’s office will be equipped with some well worn issues of out dated publications, but to truly enjoy your time at the dentist, you should exercise some forethought. Come with a great book, a Sudoku puzzle, some music, fully charge your tablet/phone so your favorite apps are playable, or whatever enjoyable hobby you like that could occupy your time and keep your mind anxiety-free. Keeping your mind busy will let you relax and make the time to pass quickly.
Downtime may not be something you get a great deal of. With the tensions of work, community, school, and family tasks, your plate is probably already extremely full. Rather than considering your dental visit as one more thing that must be done, mentally position it as some great downtime. Take a break from your exhaustive responsibilities and attempt to unwind while you are waiting.
Turning your visit into a social outing is another choice. Work with your dentist to arrange your visit at the exact same time as a friend. You’ll have a friendly face to talk with in while you wait and someone to plan an outing with for after the office appointment is over.
Taking this approach to a dental appointment will make it easier to take the first step of making the call and setting the date. You will find an upcoming appointment much less intimidating when you are also preparing for a pleasant break in your daily schedule.
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ABOUT DR. KATHRYN JODRY, DDS:
As one of the premier Dentist In Richardson Tx, Dr. Jodry provides affordable dental care, cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry restorative care in Richardson, Texas and the surrounding areas. Call us today at: (972) 235-6752 or Email: kjodrydds@yahoo.com
