Dentist in Greensboro, NC Promoting the Benefits of Dental Sealants for Children
Tooth decay typically will occur in our back molars. This is true in children as well. A thin layer of bacteria resides on children’s teeth that turn the sugars they eat into acid, which attacks the tooth’s enamel and leads to cavities and tooth decay. Dr. Sona Isharani and her team at Triad Pediatric Dentistry in Greensboro, NC help avoid this from occurring through the use of dental sealants, which effectively creates a barrier over the tooth (even in the smallest nooks) protecting them from acid attacks.
The question then lays on if the cost of protecting teeth, especially temporary teeth in younger children, with a sealant is worth the cost. Let’s look at the facts first.
The Fact About Dental Sealants
Research performed shows that children who have received dental sealants are 80% less likely to get a cavity in the teeth protected by the sealant for up to two years. This number drops to 50% from two to four years. The sealant itself can last up to nine years. Around 40 percent of children aged six to eleven have received a dental sealant and, because of this, have a significant advantage over children who have not. School-aged children who have not received a sealant develop almost three times as many cavities.
For children in low-income areas that received dental sealants through school-based programs, huge benefits have been reaped. Nearly 7 million American children were included in this work and it is estimated that it will save their parents nearly 300 million dollars in future dental costs.
Application of Sealants
The application of sealants onto a child’s teeth is a safe and pain-free experience. Their teeth are first cleaned and prepared so that the sealant can adhere to the teeth. The sealant is then applied to all chewing surfaces where it bonds and hardens. There are some cases where a special light may need to be utilized to assist the hardening process. Each tooth takes just a few minutes to seal, making the process incredibly time-efficient as well.
If you are interested in learning more about the dental sealant options made available by Dr. Isharani and her team at Triad Pediatric Dentistry, please call (336) 804-8668 today!
