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Sealants can stop cavities
before they begin
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Caring
for your children's teeth
Did you know
that the American Academy
of Pediatric Dentistry recommends
bringing your child to the
dentist before his/her first
birthday? Read
more about dental care for
children.
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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.
Sealants prevent cavities
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.
Application is fast
and painless
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 on 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.
Other cavity prevention
techniques
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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