Many people believe that baby teeth are not important. Even though they are going to fall off eventually, it is imperative that you take proper care of the baby teeth. Even though the baby teeth are temporary, these serve a crucial role in the development of permanent teeth, speech and chewing ability.
If the baby teeth are lost prematurely, it will leave an empty socket and hinder the child’s oral development. This is why it is necessary to take care of these tiny teeth. The best way to keep your teeth healthy is to apply protective dental sealants in Berwyn, IL.
What are Sealants and How is it Applied?
Children often skip brushing their teeth and sometimes don’t do it properly. Even with regular brushing, it can be difficult to remove the food particles and plaque stuck in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. These left-over particles can cause decay of your child’s tooth. But don’t worry, dental sealants are an effective way to protect the teeth from decay.
Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating that seal the teeth. The sealants bond with surface of the teeth and create a barrier against bacteria. This prevents dental problems like cavities, decay and more. The process of getting sealants is also quick, easy and painless. A child’s dentist near you will first lean your child’s teeth. Following this, the teeth will be dried off to prepare for the sealant application. Then your dentist will take a small brush and simply paint the sealant on the teeth. In some time, the paint will harden and bond with the surface of the teeth, forming the desired protective layer.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are suitable for all children who are susceptible to cavities or those who find it difficult to clean their teeth properly. Children between the ages of 6 and 14 are most likely to get sealants, especially on their premolars and molars. This is because the nooks and crannies of these teeth can easily become home to bacteria, food and plaque accumulation leading to cavities and decay.
As children below the age of 14 are most susceptible to cavities in general, it is important to take necessary precautions so that they can have healthy and beautiful teeth for lifetime. Sealants are a successful preventive option for protecting your child’s teeth. While people generally get sealants for permanent molars, these are not the only teeth that can benefit from dental sealants.
Protecting baby teeth is also equally important. These are essential for long-term good health and ensure that permanent teeth erupt properly by reserving space for the permanent teeth. But if the baby teeth are decayed and fall off earlier than they are supposed to, the future dental health or your child could be at risk. This is why dentists often recommend dental sealants in Berwyn, IL for baby teeth if they are at high risk of decay.
How Often Do Sealants Need to Be Applied?
With regular care, dental sealants can last for up to 10 years! This means that one application can provide you with up to a decade of protection against the harmful effects of bacteria and plaque. But dental sealants can also chip and wear down. To make sure that your teeth remain healthy, you should have your dentist check the dental sealants for any signs of wear at the bi-annual checkups.
If you think that your child is susceptible to cavities, you should contact a dentist near you immediately. At Berwyn Dental Connection, we strive to do everything we can to spread healthy smiles. Contact us to find the best dentist for dental sealants in Berwyn, IL today!