Keeping your child’s teeth strong and healthy with decay-fighting dental sealants

At Mona Dental for Kids, we partner with parents and pediatric patients alike to encourage healthy habits and behaviors early. We want proper and consistent brushing and flossing to become second nature to your child. However, Dr. Mona Houshiar and our team in Spring, Texas, also appreciate that there can be challenges to your child’s good oral health. Fortunately, we have some solutions to overcome potential hurdles to a healthy, growing smile – notably, dental sealants!

The problem: Vulnerable back teeth 

The molars at the back corners of the mouth are highly decay-prone. They feature uneven surfaces. These pits and fissures tend to trap food. Lingering food particles promote the development of sticky, destructive bacterial plaque. Additionally, their location at the back of the mouth makes them tricky for kids to clean. It can be difficult for children with developing motor skills (and little mouths) to properly remove food and other “nasties” (like harmful bacteria) from these hard-to-reach teeth. There may also be the tendency to naturally focus a little more on cleaning the front teeth that others can see and potentially skimping on those back teeth that are harder to clean anyway. When you consider all these factors, it is no surprise that more than 90% of cavities will develop in these teeth. 

This is where sealants come into play. Your child can get a little help from their “friends,” the pros at Mona Dental for Kids, and this all-important and super-easy preventative service. 

The solution: Professional, proactive care 

We encourage you to make dental sealants a part of your child’s preventative dentistry program. We can easily build the application of sealants into your child’s regular six-month “check-up.” At every recall appointment, Dr. Houshiar can also check that the sealant is holding up well. Due to our careful application, sealants can remain in good condition for many years before they need to be replaced. Sealants are also quite affordable upfront, especially when compared to the cost of dental treatments designed to resolve conditions like cavities and decay after they have developed. Plus, many dental insurance plans include sealants as a 100% covered preventative service. 

As indicated, the sealant process fits in easily with regular check-ups and busy schedules. The sealant material may be “painted on” as a liquid in a matter of minutes. The liquid is safe and free of any questionable materials. So, it is appropriate for pediatric patients with allergies or sensitivities. Depending on your child’s age and needs, sealants may be applied to the 6- and 12-year molars, primary molars, and permanent premolars. Once Dr. Houshiar has hardened the sealant material with a special curing light, she will check your child’s “bite” and ensure everything looks and feels great. From there, the sealant will literally “seal out” all the bad stuff contributing to destructive dental decay. The whole process is also comfortable and appropriate for children with sensitive teeth. In fact, it helps to protect against sensitivity that is associated with the erosion of tooth structure.

To find out more about how sealants can keep your child’s teeth strong, healthy, and looking great, schedule an appointment at Mona Dental for Kids today. Our office in Spring, TX, can be reached at (832) 662-3008.

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