Dental Sealants for kids

We had our first dental check up when the daughter was about 2.5 years and I think it was a good idea as she got use to the idea of going to a dentist and checking for any early cavities due to nursing or inappropriate dental hygiene. After the first dental checkup we were asked to visit again after the daughter turns 3 for a fluoride treatment or like its called ‘Sealants’. Dental sealants are clear protective coatings which, once applied over the tooth surface prevent bacteria and food particles from settling into the pits and grooves.
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We had our first dental check up when the daughter was about 2.5 years and I think it was a good idea as she got use to the idea of going to a dentist and checking for any early cavities due to nursing or inappropriate dental hygiene. As a first time I thought it was important. The daughter didn’t show any resistance as I read a book on a dental visit to her the previous week so she was kind of prepared to whats really going to happen. To our luck we had a great dentist Dr. Reshma Shah of 32 reasons who just made the daughter love the process. They had a lovely kids room where we played until it was time for our appointment.

After the first dental checkup we were asked to visit again after the daughter turns 3 for a fluoride treatment or like its called ‘Sealants’.

So what are Sealants?

Dental sealants represent one of the greatest, but least known advances of modern dentistry. Applied during a simple procedure, dental sealants dramatically reduce childhood cavities.

The top surface of your teeth – where the chewing takes place- aren’t smooth and flat. They are cris-crossed with tiny hills and valleys called pits and fissures. These are place where plaque can build up safe from your tooth brush and dental floss. Bacteria builds up in these pits and grooves which destroys tooth enamel causing cavities.

Dental sealants are clear protective coatings which, once applied over the tooth surface prevent bacteria and food particles from settling into the pits and grooves. During the application the dentist will thoroughly clean the teeth, prepare the tooth surfaces for application, and then paint the dental sealant onto the teeth. The procedure is quick and painless.

The procedure is fairly simple if you have  a great doctor. It requires 15 minutes and is just applying a pink candy like gel on the kids teeth. I wasn’t even sitting next to the daughter or assisting the doctor in any manner. The doctor and the daughter hit it off really well so I just had to sit back and watch some TV. After the treatment was over the daughter got to choose her own gift that the doctor gives her each time she visits her along with a card for the next appointment. The doctor pins it up on her soft board and says mom please remind me when is my next appointment.

The only thing moms must watch out for before heading for this treatment is the child is well fed and had enough water. 30 minutes after the sealant is applied no food or water can be consumed.

Here are a few interesting links that are worth visiting before you make the decisions:

1. http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/sealants.asp

2. http://www2.aap.org/ORALHEALTH/pact/ch5_sect6.cfm

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