Tooth Decay is One of the Most Common of All Disorders, Second Only to the Common Cold

Children should have check-ups at the dentist every six months so decay can be spotted early. If your child has toothache, get the advice of a dentist. They'll be able to spot decay by examining the teeth and may take an x-ray to investigate the extent of damage. Dental decay is very common. The addition of fluoride to toothpaste has helped to protect teeth and cut decay, but the trend towards sweeter snack foods in children's diets is working against this.

Bacteria that thrive on the teeth cause tooth decay, particularly when there's a large amount of sugary food debris left in the mouth. The bacteria grow in a sticky coating on the teeth called plaque. They break down food sugars into acids that etch away at the surface enamel, leaking out the calcium and phosphate minerals to soften and destroy the enamel and dentine below. Prevention is vital to avoid tooth decay. Cut down the amount of sweet snacks your child is allowed . Help your children brush their teeth twice a day and after meals, and take them for regular check-ups at the dentist. Make sure your water supply is fluorinated or discuss fluoride drops with the dentist.

You should consider sealants Dental sealants act as a barrier, protecting the teeth against decay-causing bacteria. The sealants are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay occurs most often.Typically sealants should be applied to the child's permanent posterior teeth as soon after their eruptions as possible. This allows the sealants to be in place and protecting the child's permanent posterior teeth for the greatest length of time and during the time span when the child's oral hygiene will typically be the worst due to their young age.

The first posterior permanent teeth that lend themselves to sealants are the child's first molars that typically erupt at the age of six years old, thus their other appellation six-year molars. Sealants can then be applied to the first premolars, or bicuspids, when the child is approximately 11 to 12 years of age, then the second molars, when the child is approximately 12 years old and the second premolars, when the child is approximately 12 to 13 years old. A dental sealant is a thin plastic film painted on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. Sealant application involves cleaning the surface of the tooth and rinsing the surface to remove all traces of the cleaning agent. An etching solution or gel is applied to the enamel surface of the tooth, including the pits and grooves. After 15 seconds, the solution is thoroughly rinsed away with water. After the site is dried, the sealant material is applied and allowed to harden by using a special curing light. Other sealants are applied and allowed to harden much the same way nail polish is applied to fingernails. Sealant treatment is painless and could take anywhere from five to 45 minutes to apply, depending on how many teeth need to be sealed. Sealants must be applied properly for good retention.

About the Author:

Hi, my name is Nancy. I am a Dental assistant. I like to post articles to let people know how important it is to take care of your teeth and I have a website with very affordable discount dental plans. I try to help patients in the office and also online please visit www.smileforless.us.

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