What is the Best Age for Kids to Get Dental Sealants?
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Tooth decay and cavities are an all-too-common ailment that impacts kids’ oral health. At Made Ya Smile The Woodlands, our team of licensed dentists provide families residing in Woodlands, TX with premium, preventive dental care. One of our preventive treatments that serves as a long-lasting defense against cavities in kids includes dental sealants.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are a preventive dental care service that presents in the form of a tooth-colored liquid, which is easily applied to the molar and premolars. The liquid fills pits and crevices in the teeth to protect the surface from harmful bacteria and tartar build-up. At Made Ya Smile The Woodlands, our team examines your child’s teeth during a routine check-up to determine if they could benefit from dental sealants.
Benefits of dental sealants
Dental sealants provide numerous benefits, including:
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Easy, painless preventive dental treatment
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Long-lasting defense against tooth decay and cavities
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No down time after treatment application
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Natural tooth-colored results
What is the best age for kids to get dental sealants?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children between the ages of 6-12 receive dental sealants. Younger kids may qualify for dental sealants if they are at higher risk for tooth decay and cavities.
Can adults get dental sealants?
Adults with healthy molars may receive dental sealants if they want to increase protection against tooth decay. Consult with one of our dentists for a thorough oral examination to see if you qualify.
How the treatment process works
Patients come to Made Ya Smile The Woodlands for a routine check-up and dental cleaning. Once the teeth are cleaned and dried, one of our team members will apply a tooth-colored liquid to the molars. A curing light is placed over the teeth for several seconds to harden and set the liquid to the teeth. Once your appointment is finished, you may return home or resume normal daily activities.
Can my kid eat and drink immediately after receiving dental sealants?
Kids are permitted to eat and drink normally after receiving their dental sealants. However, parents should limit their kids’ intake of chewy, sticky, or hard foods for a few days to allow for sealants to properly settle into the teeth.
How long do dental sealants last?
With the right care and lifestyle habits, dental sealants have the potential to last for many years.
How to help my kid care for their dental sealants
To get more mileage out of dental sealants, have your kid try out the following tips at home:
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Brush and floss the teeth twice daily
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Use mouth rinse to knock out tartar and bacteria-filled debris
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Limit their sugar intake
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Avoid chewy, sticky, or hard foods that could damage the teeth
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Attend regular dental checkups and cleanings
Learn more about dental sealants for your family
If you reside in or near Woodlands, TX and are looking for premium, preventive dental care for your family, contact us at Made Ya Smile The Woodlands and schedule an appointment today. Our team will examine your kid’s teeth to determine if dental sealants are the appropriate treatment intervention for them.