Dental sealants protect teeth

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. The Bayou District Dental Association notes that children’s teeth are meant to last a lifetime.
The dental society has tips for keeping children’s teeth healthy and decay-free.
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria. The bacteria is found in a sticky, colorless filth called plaque. For tooth decay to occur, three elements are needed: plaque, food containing sugars and starches and a susceptible tooth.
When foods containing sugars and starches are left in the mouth, plaque bacteria produce acids that can dissolve tooth enamel. The sticky plaque holds these acids onto the teeth, where they attack the enamel for 20 minutes or more. After repeated attacks, the enamel may break down, forming a cavity.
According to dental society spokesperson, Dr. Daniel Melancon, to prevent tooth decay, tooth brushing and flossing are needed daily to remove harmful plaque from your child’s teeth.
“Children should clean their teeth twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste,” said Melancon. He adds that flossing will remove plaque that hides between the teeth and under the gum line, areas where a toothbrush can’t reach.
Supervising your child while brushing and flossing will insure that a proper job is done.
Melancon noted that dental sealants can help prevent or reduce tooth decay. A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars), where decay occurs most often. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting the decay-prone areas of the back teeth from plaque and acid.
He also said that each tooth takes only a few minutes to seal in the dental office.
“When the sealant is applied, finger-like strands penetrate the pit and fissures of the tooth enamel. Although the sealant cannot be seen with the naked eye, the protective effect of these strands continues,” Melancon said. As a result, it may be several years before another application of sealant is needed.
Reapplication of the sealant will continue to protect against decay and may save the time and expense of restoring a decayed tooth. Sealants are checked during your child’s regular dental visits to determine if reapplication is necessary.
For long-lasting, healthy smiles, the Bayou District Dental Association recommends a total prevention program including regular dental visits, the use of fluoride toothpaste, daily brushing and flossing and avoiding frequent between-meal snacks.
If these measures are followed and sealants are applied to the child’s teeth, the risk of decay can be reduced or may even be eliminated.