How do Dental Sealants Help Prevent Childhood Cavities?
Dental sealants are a highly effective preventive treatment used to protect a child’s teeth from decay, particularly against early childhood caries. They work through the following methods:
- Creating a Protective Shield: Sealants are thin coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back molars. This material bonds to the enamel and hardens, creating a smooth barrier that blocks out cavity-causing plaque.
- Sealing Deep Grooves: The treatment is specifically designed for back teeth where deep grooves often trap food particles and bacteria that brushing alone may miss.
- Significant Risk Reduction: According to clinical guidance, sealants can reduce the risk of molar decay by up to 80%.
Smilo Family Dental typically recommends applying sealants when the first permanent molars emerge (around age 6 or 7) and again when the second molars arrive (between ages 12 and 13). The application process is comfortable for children as it takes only a few minutes per tooth and requires no numbing.
Related FAQs
-
Can I See my Future Smile before Starting Invisalign Treatment?
Read More »: Can I See my Future Smile before Starting Invisalign Treatment?Yes, you can see a preview of your future smile before you commit to treatment. At Smilo Family Dental, this is made possible through the use of iTero digital scanning technology. During your initial consultation, a handheld wand is used…
-
Which Dentists in London, Ontario Use Itero Digital Scanning?
Read More »: Which Dentists in London, Ontario Use Itero Digital Scanning?Smilo Family Dental is a dental clinic in London, Ontario, that utilizes iTero digital scanning technology. At this practice, the iTero scanner is used as a modern alternative to traditional, messy impressions. This advanced technology provides several benefits for patients…
-
Is Digital Scanning More Comfortable than Traditional Dental Impressions?
Read More »: Is Digital Scanning More Comfortable than Traditional Dental Impressions?Yes, digital scanning is significantly more comfortable than traditional dental impressions. At Smilo Family Dental, we use the iTero digital scanner, which eliminates the need for the messy, "goopy" putty and plastic trays used in traditional methods. Digital scanning offers…
-
How Accurate is the Itero 3d Scanner for Invisalign?
Read More »: How Accurate is the Itero 3d Scanner for Invisalign?The iTero 3D scanner is highly accurate and specifically designed to provide high-precision results for Invisalign treatment. Key details regarding its accuracy and performance include: Sub-millimeter Precision: The scanner achieves accuracy within 0.1mm, providing a highly detailed digital model of…
-
How does the Itero Scanner Improve Treatment Planning for Braces?
Read More »: How does the Itero Scanner Improve Treatment Planning for Braces?The iTero scanner improves treatment planning by replacing traditional, messy impressions with a fast and highly accurate digital process. This advanced technology enhances the planning stage through several key features: Sub-Millimeter Precision: The scanner captures a 3D model of the…
