Cavities are one of the most common oral health problems for children. In addition to diet and sugary drinks and snacks, younger children are also more vulnerable to tooth decay as they learn how to properly brush and floss their teeth.
The good news is there are a number of tools and techniques available to parents to help protect and improve their children’s oral health.
At Oasis Pediatric Dental Care and Orthodontics, our dentists Dr. Nathalie Phaeton, Dr. Ki Youn Kil, and our team offer a range of pediatric dentistry services at our office in Falls Church, Virginia.
Cavities are a common problem for American children. Over 50% of children between the ages of six and eight have at least one cavity in their baby teeth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dental sealants protect your children’s teeth from developing cavities by covering and flattening the chewing surface of the back molars, making it easier for your child to brush their teeth.
They also make it more difficult for food and bacteria to stick to their teeth and form plaque, which can harden into tartar.
Here are five of the unexpected benefits of dental sealants:
Americans spent over $60 billion in out-of-pocket dental care costs in 2021. When left untreated, oral health problems like cavities and gum disease get worse over time and become more expensive to fix.
Sealants help to prevent cavities from developing, and can protect your child from needing more expensive and invasive dental treatments in the future. Preventive treatments like sealants and regular cleanings and dental exams are generally more cost effective.
In addition to cavities, plaque and tartar buildup can also lead to gum disease. While the risk of gum disease increases with age, unfortunately, children and teenagers aren’t immune. Sealants act as a barrier that covers the teeth, makes them easier to brush, prevents cavities, and resists gum disease-causing bacteria.
A smoother chewing surface can make it easier for your child to chew and digest their food, supporting their nutrition.
A flat chewing surface makes the teeth easier to clean, lowering the risk not just of cavities, but also of gum disease and other oral health problems. Establishing good oral hygiene habits and routines early is the best way to set your children up for a lifetime of good oral health.
In addition to cavity and gum disease prevention, sealants also help to protect tooth enamel by blocking the acids bacteria produce from food debris. They may also help to prevent or improve tooth sensitivity.
For more information about the benefits of dental sealants and whether they’re right for your child, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
