As the name suggests, pediatric dental sealants are a preventive dentistry treatment specifically designed for children. These are thin, protective coatings that dentists apply to the back teeth (molars), which are most prone to cavities. The sealant quickly bonds into the grooves and depressions of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the tooth enamel. This barrier prevents food and bacteria from getting stuck in these hard-to-reach areas, significantly reducing the risk of tooth decay. Pediatric dental sealants are safe, painless, and completed in a single visit to your pediatric dentist in Garden City, NY.
Why Should I Get Pediatric Dental Sealants?
Pediatric dental sealants are a critical component of preventive dental care for children. The back teeth have deep grooves and pits where food particles and bacteria can hide, making them difficult to clean effectively. Over time, this can lead to the formation of cavities. By getting dental sealants, you provide an extra layer of protection for your child's teeth against decay. Moreover, the sealants are clear or tooth-colored, making them virtually invisible. They are also less costly and less invasive than dealing with cavities and tooth decay later on.
DID YOU KNOW?
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children, but dental sealants can reduce the risk by up to 80%.
The Benefits Of Pediatric Dental Sealants
Prevention of Tooth Decay
Pediatric dental sealants are a powerful tool in the prevention of tooth decay. The sealant forms a smooth surface over the natural grooves and pits of the molars, preventing food particles and bacteria from getting trapped. This significantly reduces the chances of developing cavities, especially in children who are at a higher risk.
Long-lasting Protection
Once applied, dental sealants provide long-lasting protection. They can effectively safeguard your child's teeth for up to 10 years with proper care. During regular dental check-ups, Dr. Manpreet Dhillon & Dr. Ravneet Dhillon can check the sealants and reapply them if necessary, ensuring continuous protection.
Quick and Painless Procedure
The process of applying dental sealants is quick, simple, and painless. It doesn't involve any drilling or removal of tooth structure, making it a stress-free experience for children. The sealant is painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens.
Care That Won’t Break The Bank
The Pediatric Dental Sealants Treatment Process
Cleaning the Teeth
The first step in the sealant application process involves thoroughly cleaning the teeth. This ensures that no plaque or food particles are trapped under the sealant. The teeth are then dried and a material is applied to help the sealant bond to the tooth.
Applying the Sealant
The sealant is then carefully painted onto the enamel of the tooth. It flows into the grooves and pits on the tooth surface, reaching areas that a toothbrush can't.
Hardening the Sealant
The final step involves using a special light to harden the sealant. This process only takes a few minutes, but it ensures the sealant forms a strong, durable shield over the tooth surface.
Before & Afters
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Dental Trauma Guide
What to do in the event of trauma to the teeth and mouth:
If bleeding occurs:
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- Apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze
- Try to identify the source of the bleeding
- If the gums or teeth are bleeding see a dental professional
- If the lips or face are injured visit the emergency room
If a tooth is chipped
- If the tooth fragment that chipped off is found, store it in milk, saliva or saline. Do NOT store in alcohol, water or mouthwash
- Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment
If a baby tooth is knocked out
- Baby teeth are not advised to be re-implanted but should be brought to the dentist to be evaluated
If there is a shift in the position of a tooth/teeth
- This is urgent! Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment ASAP
- If injury occurs outside of business hours visit the emergency room
If an adult tooth is knocked out
- Handle the tooth by the crown, try to avoid touching the root
- Rinse the tooth with milk or saline, DO NOT SCRUB
- Place the tooth back into the socket if possible
- If not, store the tooth in milk, saliva or saline. Do NOT store in alcohol, water or mouthwash. Adult teeth can be re-implanted by a dentist
- This is urgent! Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment ASAP
- If injury occurs outside of business hours visit the emergency room
If unsure whether a baby or adult tooth is knocked out
- Store the tooth in milk, saliva or saline and allow the doctor to determine. Do NOT store in alcohol, water or mouthwash
- This is urgent! Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment ASAP
- If injury occurs outside of business hours visit the emergency room
In all cases, focus on controlling bleeding (with gauze/clean cloth and pressure) and managing pain with motrin/tylenol (follow manufacturers instructions for dosing). Some dental emergencies are more urgent than others but all cases of dental trauma should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible.
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How to Reduce the Risk of Dental Trauma
Dental injuries are very common amongst active children. Here are some tips to reduce your child's risk of experiencing serious dental trauma.
Safe Play Environments
- Check play areas for younger children for hard surfaces and sharp corners, try to child-proof or limit access to such areas
- Keep hard objects and toys away from young children especially when they are teething (ages 0-3)
Preventing Sports-Related Trauma
- Helmets, facemasks and mouthguards reduce both the frequency and severity of dental/facial trauma.
- Mouthguards are highly recommended for all collision and contact sports and help prevent injuries such as broken or displaced teeth, jaw-joint injury, lip/cheek/chin lacerations and even concussions
- Custom mouthguards made by a dental provider offer the highest level of protection and can be made for children of all ages
- Pre-formed stock mouthguards and boil and bite mouthguards are more affordable alternatives which offer a lower level of protection than custom mouthguards but still reduce the risk and severity of injury
Education and Preparation
- Even with safeguards in place injuries happen! Learning how to manage dental injuries will help the adults managing the situation stay calm and act fast
- Some children are more prone to dental injury depending on their unique dental anatomy. Regular dental check ups will help identify potential risks and a dental provider can offer personalized suggestions
Frequently Asked Questions
