Using Sealants to Prevent Tooth Decay
Even if there are numerous proactive measure to prevent tooth decay, there is a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that cavities in children between the ages of 2 to 5 are increasing 15.2%. It is reported that about 20% of children and teens in USA have cavities that were left untreated.
Based on the recent article in the NY Times, tooth decay in young children are not only on the rise but more preschoolers are showing up at dental offices with cavities that require extensive dental procedure which includes dental surgery that require anesthesia. The northbrook dentist have reported children as young as 2 years old have 6 to 10 cavities at a time.
Preserving decent oral health at every stage of life is fundamental. Maintaining the health of your teeth not merely averts future tooth loss, it diminishes the danger of many other disorders, like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, periodontitis and even osteoporosis or to have to teeth implants.
Eating healthy is one method to decrease the likelihood of cavities. As much as you can, you need to avoid foods that have sugar. Regular brushing and flossing is also essential to have good oral health. Additionally, children and teens can protect their teeth from decay with dental sealants done by your northbrook dental care dentist.
American Dental Association (ADA) have approve of sealants for over 35 years. It is made of tooth-colored acrylic and they seal a tooth's craters and indentations with a protective covering. Sealants avert tooth decay by safeguarding teeth from the mouth microorganisms, acids and sugars that come from food.
Generally, dental sealants are added to permanent molars which start growing when children are about 6 years old. Permanent molars continue to appear until they are about 12 or 13 years old. The back molars are often the hardest to reach during brushing and flossing. Thus, sealant is applied to areas where cavities and decay are most likely to appear. When necessary, these sealants can be used in baby teeth as well.
It is quite easy to apply the dental sealants. First, the teeth are cleaned thoroughly using a paste and rotating brush. An acidic liquid may be need to be applied, depending on the type of sealant use, to prepare the teeth for the sealant. Once the solution has dried it is then washed off. After that, the sealant is painted on the teeth, filling any pits, grooves and crevices. Once it hardens and dries, it creates a protective covering over the teeth.
