Sealants Can Protect Teeth Your Childrens Teeth From Decay

In addition to a consistent oral care routine, one way to ensure healthy teeth for your child is to consider dental sealants to help prevent tooth decay. A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating that is applied by a dental professional to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This area is especially vulnerable to decay because the pits and groves on these surfaces can trap food particles in nooks and crannies that are hard to reach with a toothbrush or dental floss.

A sealant goes on as a liquid, but it quickly hardens to form a protective shell over the tooth. The goal of a dental sealant is to protect the tooth from decay and save the money and discomfort associated with fillings and cavities. Many dentists recommend dental sealants for children as soon as the permanent teeth have fully erupted. But if you have an older child or teenager who has poor dental hygiene habits or is prone to cavities, it isn’t too late for a dental sealant to help preserve and promote healthy teeth.

Most dental sealants last for about 10 years, but getting a dental sealant does not replace the need for regular dental visits. In fact, a dentist should check the sealed area during regular cleanings so he or she can add more sealant material if necessary.

Source Oral B

5 Dental Health Tips for Pre-Schoolers

By Karen Ward, 1300SMILES Townsville, Upper Ross - Begian Gardens - Woodlands.

1. You should brush your children’s teeth and encourage them to learn how to brush correctly, using a small pea sized quantity of low strength fluoride toothpaste.

2. Most importantly, avoid sweet snacks and sweet drinks between meals. The possibility of tooth decay is directly related to the number of times that sweet things are in contact with the teeth.

3. Seek your dentist’s advice without delay if your children’s teeth become damaged – whether loosened or just chipped.

4. If a baby tooth is dislodged do not attempt to straighten or replace it. Take the child to your dentist straight away.

5. Now-a-days, dentists concentrate on preventing dental disease. Ask your dentist how frequently your children need a check up so that problems can be detected early enough to allow the dentist to prevent them without the need for fillings

Editor: For more information or to make an appointment with Karen (in Townsville) please call 1300SMILES (1300 764 537). Karen also visits schools and day care centres to educate young children on dental health. Go here for details.