As dental professionals we believe in preventative dental care and encourage our patients to bring their children to the practice from an early age. Regular check-ups from a young age will ensure children won't suffer from untreated dental decay with devastating effects to their growing dentition. There are a number of preventative treatments that our team can provide for children.
Fluoride applications are a safe and effective way to safeguard your growing child's teeth from developing decay. The fluoride is painted onto the surface of the child's teeth and this helps to mineralise the teeth. Fissure sealants are tooth-coloured and applied to biting surfaces of children's teeth to prevent decay.
Studies have shown that the younger the age that you bring your child to the dental practice, even if just for a check-up, the more likely they are to have a positive experience and grow up not to be afraid of the dentist. Our team will take special care of your child to make them feel safe and cared for.
Treating a child from an early age also allows the dentist to spot early signs of underbites, crossbites or overbites developing. As with most things, the sooner you can start to treat it, the quicker it can be resolved.
Prevention is always better than cure so call the practice today to make an appointment for your child.
Fissure sealants are thin flowable plastic coatings that are placed into deep pits and grooves that are found on the biting surface of some back teeth. Such pits and grooves are termed "fissures". Unfortunately these fissures can be difficult to keep clean and provide a favourable environment for bacteria to flourish, so your dentist will place sealants to reduce the risk of tooth decay. The most commonly treated teeth are premolars and molars. Sealing a tooth is better than waiting for decay and filling the cavity, decay damages teeth permanently. Sealants protect them.
Sealants are applied easily and painlessly. The tooth is properly cleaned, dried, treated and the sealant applied. The sealant is then set hard using a special curing light. The most important part of the process is to keep the area as dry as possible, to allow for effective placement of the sealant.
Sealants are most effective when placed in the first year after the eruption of a tooth. The first molars usually come into the mouth when a child is about 6 years old. Second molars appear at about age 12. Most tooth decay in children and teens occurs on these surfaces. Early application ensures the fissures are sealed before the decay process can begin. Sealants can only be seen up close, sealants can be clear, white, or slightly tinted, and usually are not seen when a child talks or smiles. Sealants are used as a preventative measure and must be supported with a good oral hygiene routine, balanced diet and regular visits to your dentist.
Please email us at info@stpaulsdentalpractice.co.uk or use the online form below.
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