Dental for Kids
Even a checkup can be a frightening experience, especially for children. That’s why we do everything possible to make sure your visit is enjoyable. We are experts in allaying fear and soothing nerves. Our compassionate team of dentists, hygienists and office staff will ease any concerns you may have by answering your questions thoroughly and patiently.
Our dental hygienists will gently help you maintain or create that gleaming smile you’ve always dreamed of. Give us a call today and start smiling with confidence tomorrow.
Toothbrushing - Start it young
Get your child to brush their teeth every day from around 18 months of age. This will encourage a habit of brushing teeth. You will need to help your child brush until they are old enough to do it themselves, usually around the age of six to seven years. Encourage your child to spit out, not swallow, toothpaste
Dental Sealant
Dental sealants are protective coatings applied to teeth that are at risk of decay. Although tooth decay in children has decreased, preventable decay still occurs. Combined with drinking fluoridated tap water and using a toothpaste with fluoride, sealants will virtually eliminate decay in the permanent teeth of many children. Sealants are safe and painless.
Protect Your Child’s Teeth – Seal Out Decay!
Early care of children’s teeth is important in setting the stage for a life of healthy teeth and gums.
What are sealants?
A sealant is a thin plastic coating, which is placed in the grooves on the chewing surface of the back teeth. Sealants keep food and bacteria from packing into the grooves of teeth. Sealants protect the enamel from plaque and acids.
When properly placed, sealants are nearly 100 percent effective in preventing decay in back teeth.
Why are sealants needed?
Your teeth are covered with a sticky film of bacteria, called plaque. When you don’t clean your teeth after eating, plaque bacteria use sugar and starch in food as a source of energy. The bacteria change the sugar or starch into harmful acids that attack tooth enamel. Repeated attacks may cause the enamel to break down, resulting in cavities.
Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food and plaque from the smooth surfaces of the teeth. However, toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the grooves on the chewing surface of the teeth.
Sealants protect these grooves by “sealing out” plaque and food
Who should get sealants?
Children benefit greatly from sealants. This is because the teeth have not been in the mouth long, and have not had time to develop cavities. Sealants are put only on teeth that do not have any cavities. The best time to have sealants placed is just after the back adult teeth have erupted.
How are sealants put onto teeth?
Sealants are easy for your dentist to apply, and it takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth.
The teeth that will be sealed are cleaned. Then the chewing surfaces are roughened with an etching solution to help the sealant stick to the tooth. The sealant is painted onto the grooves of the back teeth, and then it hardens. Sometimes a special light is used to help the sealant harden.
Please give your child the best chance for healthy teeth and seal out decay.
