Part of protecting a child’s teeth is the process of applying a sealant to each tooth, but particularly the molars, which are the chewing and grinding teeth that are toward the back of the mouth. These back teeth are the most difficult for anyone to keep clean, particularly for children. That makes their teeth vulnerable to plaque and other oral bacteria that can cause cavities and tooth decay. The pediatric dentist Vernon CT wants to protect their teeth, especially their permanent teeth, for a lifetime, so the dentist may recommend tooth sealant to the child’s parents.
Children actually develop two sets of molars, one when they are five to seven years of age and another set when they are between eleven and fourteen years of age. A sealant should be applied to each set of molars as they come in to get them protected. It may be helpful if parents explain to their child at home what the pediatric dentist Vernon CT will do to apply the sealant.
First, the dentist treats each tooth with an adhesive to bond with the sealant, and then the dentist paints the liquid sealant on every tooth. Once the sealant hardens, it creates a nice barrier to protect the teeth. The sealant can be expected to last for a decade, at which time it will need to be re-applied to provide continuous protection. Parents should emphasize to children that this is not foolproof, and impress on them the importance of good brushing, flossing, and rinsing every day, as well as reducing the amount of soda and sugary foods.
Helping kids learn how to take care of their teeth is an important part of their visit at each dental checkup. The dental hygienist will show them the right way to hold a toothbrush and how to brush and floss. She may ask the child to demonstrate how they brush so she can make sure they’re brushing the right way. It helps to get kids a toothbrush with a small head and maybe softer bristles, and get a toothbrush that’s child sized, easy for a small hand to hold, and is a fun color.
