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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.

Dental Health: Tooth Brushing for Pre-Schoolers!

Teaching toddlers some brushing basics is important. Developing good brushing habits for sound dental health early sets a positive pattern.

How Early Should I Begin Letting My Child Brush Their Teeth by Themselves?

Children learn by example and often want to copy the behaviors they observe in adults. "Let me do it!" is often a favorite phrase during the preschool period, so this can work in your favor when they're ready to learn.

When children are about three years old, they're usually ready to learn how to brush with your supervision. Schedule a visit with the dentist. Let them advise you about your child's readiness for proper brushing. The pediatric dentist or dental hygienist will also show your child the right way to brush.

Between the ages of three and five, your child will likely need help brushing the inner surfaces and way in the back. By age seven, most kids are ready to brush alone.

What Are Some Ideas for Teaching Good Brushing Habits?

• Take your child toothbrush shopping. Let them choose among all the colors and designs for child-size toothbrushes. Giving kids a chance to select the one they want helps them feel part of the process. Just make sure it has soft bristles.
• Show your child how to brush properly. Place only a pea-sized amount (at most) of toothpaste on their toothbrush. Tell them this is all that's needed and no more should be used (too much toothpaste at a young age is not recommended). If your child objects to using toothpaste, just brushing alone is fine. Brushing with water works, too (but the fluoride in fluoride toothpaste acts as a cavity-fighter and provides extra protection).
• Provide positive reinforcement. Give them colorful stickers. Make up a chart and have them place a sticker on it every time they brush.
• Put a sticky note on the bathroom mirror with a smiley face reminding your child to brush. When your child is old enough to read, post the 10 Tips from the Tooth Fairy on the mirror or refrigerator for gentle dental reminders.
• Praise them for their brushing ability. Tell them how shiny their teeth look.
• Making brushing fun to learn sets the right tone! Make up a song using their name while they're brushing. Avoid any battles about brushing, since this will only discourage cooperation. Associating it with fun and enjoyment reinforces positive experiences.
• Model good oral care habits. If they see you brush and floss regularly, that sets a good example they will likely want to follow.

Good oral care habits last a lifetime. Starting them early with good baby teeth care strengthens the habit and will help them keep their permanent teeth healthy, too!

by Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

+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.