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Children are
prone to cavities because of the natural shape of their
growing teeth. When first molars come in around age
6, deep crevices called pits and fissures form on the
chewing surfaces of these back teeth. Pits and fissures
are so narrow that the bristles of a toothbrush cannot
reach into them, making them difficult to clean; however,
these crevices provide plenty of room for bacteria to
grow.
Children's eating
habits also lead to cavities because their diets generally
include frequent snacking. Children are usually brushing
their own teeth by age 6, and they may not be doing
an adequate job. They rarely brush as often as necessary.
Dental sealants
can protect your children from cavities. Sealants
are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to act
as a barrier between the tooth and harmful bacteria.
They are most effective when applied to decay-susceptible
biting surfaces as soon as the teeth come in. Here's
how sealants work. The sealing material is applied
to the tooth surface using an "etching" fluid. The
sealant partially penetrates the tooth enamel, ensuring
that it is firmly attached to the tooth. Once applied,
the sealant fills in the tooth's grooves, hardens
and creates a thin plastic barrier that keeps cavity-causing
bacteria out of the pits and fissures.
Your child
will be happy to know that with sealants, there is
no drilling and no discomfort. Sealants can be applied
by either your dentist or a registered dental hygienist,
and application takes less time than having a tooth
filled. After many years in practice, sealants have
proven to be safe, durable and effective. Check your
Delta Evidence of Coverage booklet to see if your
group offers coverage for sealants. Under most programs,
sealants are covered when applied to first molars
up to age 9 and second molars up to age 14. However,
coverage for some groups may be different. Ask your
dentist about how your child can benefit from the
application of sealants.
Regular at-home
preventive care -- brushing and flossing after every
meal -- can also help keep your child's dental problems
to a minimum. From age 2, children should begin to
brush their own teeth with a parent's help. Use a
small, soft brush with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
After age 8, children can brush and floss alone, with
an occasional check by an adult.
Children need
a balanced diet to help their bodies— including
teeth—develop. Calcium is extremely important
for strong teeth and to the structure of the face
and jaws. Make sure your child drinks plenty of milk
and eats other calcium-rich foods, such as yogurt
and cheese, which have been shown to inhibit the effects
of harmful acids. Discourage snacks that are high
in sugar or starch, and sticky foods such as raisins.
With a parent's
guidance and proper personal and professional care,
children have a good foundation for maintaining healthy
teeth.
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