While children are less likely than adults to experience gum disease, the same can't be said for tooth decay. One aggressive form of decay called early childhood caries (ECC) can have a profound effect on a child's dental development and future health.
At the office of Great Smiles Pediatric & Orthodontics, our professional team is committed to pediatric oral health, and wants to play an active role helping your child maintain a healthy set of teeth at every developmental stage. We treat young children using a variety of preventive measures to reduce the risk of ECC and other dental diseases.
One popular preventative method is dental sealants, specialized coatings applied to the surfaces of teeth that fill in the naturally occurring pits and crevices. These areas are highly susceptible to the buildup of plaque (a soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth and contains millions of bacteria). It's the bacteria that live in plaque that are most responsible for the formation of tooth decay.
Children should get sealants on their permanent molars as soon as the teeth come in — before decay attacks the teeth. Sealants are quick and painless to apply and are usually done during a routine office visit.
Studies have indicated that children who don’t receive sealants are more than twice as likely to get cavities as children who did, which is why the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry now recommend it for all children. Not only can sealants help preserve children's teeth now, they can reduce future costs for dental treatment resulting from tooth decay.
Committed to your child’s oral health
At the office of Great Smiles Pediatric & Orthodontics, we offer the highest quality of skilled and compassionate care for your child’s dental needs. For more information about the services we provide, give us a call today.
