{"id":178,"date":"2019-06-16T21:03:55","date_gmt":"2019-06-16T21:03:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.npdma.com\/blog\/?p=178"},"modified":"2023-06-29T14:36:08","modified_gmt":"2023-06-29T14:36:08","slug":"pediatric-dentist-amherst-9","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.treehousepediatricdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=178","title":{"rendered":"Pediatric Dentist in Amherst Creates Cavity-Free Smiles with Dental Sealants"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The biggest threat to the health of your child\u2019s smile is tooth decay. Although cavities are preventable, 42% of children under 11 years old have had at least one cavity. Despite the best brushing and flossing habits at home, it may not be enough to save your child\u2019s teeth from decay. You can give them an added layer of protection using dental sealants. Your pediatric dentist in Amherst can quickly apply the protective barrier to their molars to seal out cavity-causing bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What are Dental Sealants?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Did you know 90% of cavities form on the chewing surfaces of\nthe back molars? They contain small crevices that are hard to clean with a toothbrush.\nFood particles and bacteria can get trapped in the grooves, slowly eating away\nat your child\u2019s enamel until a cavity develops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The enamel is the hard outer layer of the tooth that\nprotects the underlying dentin. The dentin contains tiny tubes connecting to\nthe tooth\u2019s nerve center called the pulp. If decay extends beyond the enamel\nand dentin, it can infect the pulp. Your child will need an invasive treatment\nto save their tooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A dental sealant reduces the risk of tooth decay in cavity-prone\nareas, like the back molars. In fact, research shows they can reduce decay by\nas much as 81%. The plastic-based material coats the chewing surface of a tooth\nto provide a protective barrier between the enamel and harmful bacteria. The\nsealant in clear in color, so no one will notice it is there while your child gains\nits protection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Process Like? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dental sealants are recommended for children 6 to 14 years\nof age during routine preventive\nappointments<\/a>. The process to apply them is pain-free and only takes a\ncouple of minutes. After your child\u2019s teeth are cleaned, a weak acid is applied\nto their enamel to create a secure bond with the sealant and their tooth. The\nclear coating is placed on the molars and hardened with a special light. Your child\u2019s\nsealed teeth are protected for an average of 10 years; however, if a sealant is\ndamaged before then, their dentist can easily replace it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protect Your Child\u2019s Smile from Tooth Decay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dental sealants are an excellent addition to your efforts to\nkeep your child\u2019s smile cavity-free. For maximum protection from cavity-causing\nbacteria, it is best to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n