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Dental Blog
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Pillowcases Of Candy Can Be Scary But Sealants Are Not |
Posted on 5/16/2022 by Dr. Hallas |
| Halloween is a time for kids to look like Spiderman as they venture out to fill a pillowcase with candy. It is also a good time to teach kids how to prevent decay in their teeth. Some kids may have deep crevices in their molars, which is something genetic. The deep creases are a breeding ground for bacteria, hence making the kid susceptible to tooth decay. Even if the kids are diligent brushers, those deep fissures are difficult to access with a toothbrush. However, you shouldn't fret because a prosthodontist can fill the cracks with sealants to prevent food from being caught down there. Sealants are a great thing because they do their job pretty well during the time when kids consume large amounts of candy, frequently. What are Sealants? Sealants are like fillers. Since molars look like mountains, they have valleys and peaks. In the valleys on the molars are fissures that can be so narrow but deep. The deep fissures are almost impossible to reach with a toothbrush. Therefore, they will remain uncleaned. If this happens, the fissures become a playground for bacteria. Sealants are fabricated of plastic resin and are inserted down into the crevices to fill them and prevent them from becoming a cave for bacteria. When to Receive Sealants You may not need to have sealants put on your kid's baby teeth, because these teeth will eventually fall out, paving way for the permanent molars. The first permanent molar starts to come in around age 6 to 7. Then, the first premolar follows at the age of 10 to 12. Thereafter, the second premolar, as well as second molar, follows at the age of around 11 to 13. All these permanent molars and premolars can be filled with sealants as they come in. The third molar comes in later, but it is in most cases pulled away because it is a vestige of our evolutionary past. They are called wisdom teeth. How Long do Sealants Last? While sealants can last for many years, all that matters is having your kid get through the teenage years, which are considered cavity-prone years. Thereafter, having the sealants may not be so useful. If the sealants are still surviving after the kids' teenage, it's okay, but it's just a bonus because they have performed pretty much of their work. Bring your child to our office for sealant placement. Schedule a consultation appointment today.... Read more... |
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