Signs Of Baby Teething - In Your Local Los Angeles, CA Area
James Brother LLC6
Appointments: (213) 111-2222
James Brother D.D.S.
James Brother LLC6
300 N. Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
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Seal Out Tooth Decay in Your Children's Teeth
Sealants are a plastic barrier to protect the chewing surfaces of the eight permanent molars from decay. The six-year molars usually erupt (come in) between five and seven years of age and the twelve-year molars erupt around 11 to 14 years of age. More than 90% of decay occurs in the deep grooves of the chewing surfaces of these molars. When teeth first erupt, the enamel is not completely calcified (hardened), and the teeth are very susceptible to decay. Dental sealants should be applied as soon as the molars are in far enough to see the entire chewing surface. If a primary (baby) molar has early decay on a chewing surface, and the child is cooperative, a sealant may be recommended. Once decay has penetrated the second layer of tooth structure, a restoration (filling) must be placed.
The application of a sealant is painless, but does require cooperation. A very high flow of saliva, a strong gag reflex, or an inability to open the mouth wide enough for access to the molars, will make the procedure difficult. Your pediatric dentist will use various methods to manage these circumstances. The most important requirement for a quality sealant is your child's cooperation.
In order to see how the sealant is performed, you and your child could ask if you may watch the procedure being performed on another child or your dentist may have a videotape or DVD that you may view. There are four six-year molars and four twelve-year molars. Because the teeth do not always come in at the same time, all four permanent molars may not be sealed during one visit.
First, the tooth must be isolated from saliva. Remember, the tooth must be dry for the sealant to bond tightly to the tooth surface. A gel will be applied for 15 seconds. After this is rinsed away with water, the sealant is applied (usually with a tiny brush). A bright light is used to harden the sealant. There is no heat or sensation from the light. The procedure takes only minutes for each tooth. Your child may eat right away.
Sealants do wear out. Retention rates are about 85% over three years. Grinding teeth and chewing ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy can crack sealants. How well the child's enamel bonds with the sealant will often determine how long a sealant will last. If a sealant is lost, the tooth is still more protected from decay than if the tooth had never been sealed. Decay will probably not occur if the sealant is replaced during the next six-month dental check-up. If your child has had a problem with cavities and his or her oral hygiene is very poor, decay can still occur.
Sealants are one of the very best things dentistry has to offer. Seal out your child's decay!
by Jane A. Soxman, DDS
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.
Your Child's First Trip To The Pediatric Dentist
Healthy baby teeth are important. They are the placeholders for the permanent teeth that follow. Studies show that 50% of two-year olds have one or more decayed baby teeth. So visiting a pediatric dentist can ensure that those baby teeth are getting the attention they deserve.
How can you make that first visit to the pediatric dentist easier for your child?
Keep it low key. Going to the pediatric dentist should be treated as a routine event. Discuss it with your child no more than a day or two ahead of the visit. Your child will have less time to become anxious and hear horror stories from friends.
Stay upbeat. Say a pediatric dentist is a doctor who makes sure our teeth are okay. Don't make promises (such as, it won't hurt) you may not be able to keep.
Use your pediatric dentist's name. Hearing the pediatric dentist's and other staff members' names brings the visit to a more personal level.
Make the appointment early in the day so your child won't have all day to think about the visit. And, usually young children behave better in the morning.
A positive first visit can benefit your child's dental health for many years to come and can actually affect how your child views the pediatric dentist for the rest of his or her life. Do what you can to make the first impression positive.
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.
