BARRINGTON, Ill. - March 19, 2020 -Here's a statistic that might surprise you: Kids today get fewer cavities than even just a few years ago.
Dentists have made a bigger push towards getting younger kids into the dentist earlier. There are also more products available to help little ones prevent cavities. And of course, society has a renewed focus on sugar, soda, and other causes of cavities.
However, cavities are still widespread among kids. Despite your best efforts, you can't control what they eat when they're not at home, nor can you supervise every brushing session. So, it's no surprise that at least 20 percent of kids between 5 and 11 have at least one cavity that's currently untreated.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a thin coating painted on the chewing surface of the molars (or back teeth). The sealant works its way into the grooves of your teeth–often in hard to clean places. It sits on top of your tooth enamel to form an extra layer of protection against tooth decay.
The protection lasts for ten years, but you can accidentally wear them away or chip them. For example, if you eat a lot of crunchy foods or chew ice, you might damage the sealant. Fortunately, if holes or gaps appear, the dentist adds more sealant to repair the protection.
Why Kids Should Get Sealants
Why are sealants so helpful? Because kids aren't always great at brushing their teeth, and parents don't have time to watch kids brush every single tooth twice a day. Brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent cavities, so sealants give kids an extra helping hand that doesn't rely on personal responsibility.
Remember: Sealants Are Cheaper Than Fillings
Parents worried about the cost of dental treatments should remember that sealant may only cost between $35 to $65 per tooth. You don't need to seal all their back teeth, and the sealant stays in place for ten years (with good oral hygiene and a healthy diet).
Fillings, on the other hand, can run between $120 to $300 per tooth.
Dental sealants help protect kids from their bad habits. They are safe to use, easy to apply and last for ten years at a time.
Are you in search of a Barrington dentist for the whole family? Click here to learn more about our comprehensive dentistry and oral care services.
Contact
Pennino Family Dentistry
info@pfdsmile.com
224-655-6384
