Category: Dental Hygiene

4 Ways to Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

A healthy mouth will ensure your child can speak, eat, and smile with confidence later in life. Although
baby teeth are only temporary, a long-term outlook toward dental care is still essential to setting your
child up for success. Baby teeth are still just as susceptible to decay as adult teeth, and one of the most
common ways that babies experience tooth decay is from baby bottles, sippy cups and straw cups. 

Sometimes called bottle rot, it’s important to know its causes and how to avoid them with the help of our pediatric dentist.

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Bottle rot occurs when your baby drinks sugary liquids like milk or formula throughout the day frequently. 

This process encourages the growth of harmful bacteria and acid on the teeth, which wear away at the enamel and lead to decay. Over time, this consistent exposure can cause cavities and even more serious dental pain and infections. Many babies don’t show symptoms at first but if not treated early, it can lead to discomfort and more serious damage to the teeth.

What Causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Consistent exposure to sugary drinks causes tooth decay, but there are a few culprits that are specific to
babies. They include:

  • Falling asleep with a bottle in their mouth
  • Consuming sugary drinks, milk, or breast milk before sleeping without cleaning the teeth and mouth afterwards
  • Frequent feeding otherwise known as “grazing” throughout the day
  • Sharing utensils
  • Constant and/or long-term pacifier use

These things promote bacterial growth and without proper oral care, it can lead to decay later on.

How to Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

There are four ways to prevent exposure to bacteria and prevent further damage.

1. Keep up on AAP guidelines for cleaning

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that for babies under 12 months old, you gently wipe
the gums clean with a soft washcloth. Once the first tooth emerges, use a soft baby toothbrush and a
tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste to gently brush. For children 1-3 years old, use a soft bristle
toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, gently brushing their teeth twice daily for at least two minutes. The
best times to brush are before bed and after breakfast.

2. Only put formula or milk in baby bottles

Giving your baby drinks that are high in sugar content can put them at further risk for tooth decay. Avoid
sugar water, juice, Pediasure or soft drinks. Stick to formula, milk, or water in their bottles.

3. Don’t let them fall asleep with a bottle

Although it may help them sleep, using a bottle as a pacifier can expose your baby’s teeth to sugar and bacteria while they sleep. If you must give them a bottle to sleep with, clean it thoroughly and put water in it instead.

4. Visit a pediatric dentist regularly

Your baby’s pediatric dentist can help keep an eye on any tooth decay and help you learn the best ways
to keep your child’s oral health in good shape. Make sure to schedule your child for regular checkups
and follow your pediatric dentist’s recommendations.

Schedule an Appointment

The best way to ensure your child keeps their teeth healthy is by partnering with Sprout Kids Dentistry.
To get started, contact our Quincy, MA office by calling or filling out our online form.

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Signs My Child May Have a Cavity

Did you know that cavities are common in children? About 42% of 2- to 11-year-olds have at least one cavity. Even preschoolers can get cavities! It’s important to recognize the common signs and symptoms of cavities in children so that you can take action, fast. Knowing what to look for is the best way to ensure your child’s oral health remains intact. This article will discuss some of the most common signs that your child has a cavity and how you can prevent them from happening in the first place.

Tooth Decay in Infants and Toddlers

Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is a common problem. Some of the most common signs that your child may have a cavity are:

  • White spots on the teeth: This is one of the earliest signs of tooth decay. If you see white spots on your child’s teeth, it’s important to take them to the dentist immediately.
  • Brown or black spots on the teeth: These spots are another early sign of tooth decay. If you see them on your child’s teeth, it’s important to take them to the dentist immediately.
  • Sensitivity to cold or hot drinks: If your child complains that their teeth hurt when they drink something cold or hot, they may have a cavity.
  • Pain when chewing: If your child experiences pain chewing, it could be a sign of a cavity.

Early Signs of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is extremely common in children. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one in four children aged 2-5 years have at least one untreated decaying tooth.

The good news is that tooth decay is preventable. And if caught early, it can be treated before it causes serious damage. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the early signs of tooth decay so you can protect your child’s smile.

One of the earliest signs of tooth decay could be white spots on the teeth. These spots are areas where the enamel has begun to break down. If you notice white spots on your child’s teeth, schedule a visit with their dentist so they can determine whether or not these spots are indicative of tooth decay.

Another early sign of tooth decay is sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. If your child complains that their teeth hurt when they eat or drink something hot or cold, this could be a sign that they have a cavity.

If you notice any early signs of tooth decay in your child, don’t wait to schedule a dental visit. The sooner you catch and treat cavities, the better!

How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Children

Sealants, fluoride, and good oral hygiene can help prevent tooth decay in children. Sealants are a thin coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (the molars). They act as a barrier, preventing food and plaque that can cause cavities.

Fluoride strengthens teeth and helps prevent cavities. Children who drink fluoridated water have fewer cavities than those who do not. Fluoride is also available in mouth rinses, gels, and toothpaste.

Good oral hygiene includes brushing teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and eating a balanced diet.

When to See a Dentist About Your Child’s Cavities

If your child is complaining of tooth pain, has sensitive teeth, or is having trouble chewing, it may be time to see a dentist about a possible cavity. Additional signs that your child may have a cavity include white or brown spots on the teeth, and bad breath. If you
notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to get your child’s teeth checked out.

Contact Us Today

To schedule an appointment at Sprout Kids Dentistry, contact our office today at 617-934-6339 or schedule an appointment online.

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Dental Care Tips for Parents: Teaching Kids to Floss

Teaching your kids to brush their teeth is important for their dental health. But with all the other things on your to-do list, it can be easy to let flossing fall by the wayside. Flossing should be part of your child’s daily dental routine. You can follow a few tips to help you make sure your kids’ teeth are healthy and sparkling.

1. Start Early

It is always advisable to teach your kids the importance of flossing in their early stages. While they may not have a lot of teeth yet, those baby teeth are important for their development. Ensure you’re consistently stressing the importance of flossing as recommended by Pediatric Dentistry in Boston, Kids Dentistry. This will help them get into the habit of flossing and make it a part of their daily routine.

2. Use the Right Technique

Using the right technique is the best way to teach kids how to floss. The first step is choosing the right floss type for your child’s needs. If they have sensitive gums, choose a waxed floss that will be gentle on their gums. Show your child how to hold the floss and use a gentle motion to clean between their teeth. It’s important to avoid using too much force, as this can damage the gums. Finally, they should rinse their mouth with water or Mouthwash to remove any remaining debris.

3. Make It Fun

When it comes to flossing, kids can be pretty resistant. They may not like the floss taste or the feeling between their teeth. As a result, many parents need help to get their kids to make flossing a regular part of their oral care routine. The good news is that some simple tricks can make flossing more fun for kids. First, let them choose their floss. There are a variety of flavors and colors available, so they’re sure to find one they like. You can also try using bubble gum-flavored floss or electric toothbrushes with built-in flossers. For added fun, let them choose their toothpaste and toothbrush. If they’re involved in the process, they’re more likely to enjoy it. Finally, make it a game. See who can floss the longest or who can find the most plaque. Whatever you do, make sure that flossing remains a positive experience for your kids.

4. Be a Good Role Model

As a parent, you know it’s important to set a good example for your kids. After all, they’re always watching and learning from you. That’s why it’s important to be a good role model when teaching kids to floss. When you floss every day, your kids will see that taking care of your teeth is important. And when you make flossing a part of your daily routine, they’ll be more likely to do the same. They’re sure to follow suit when you lead by example and show them that flossing is important to you.

Conclusion

Even though flossing may seem like a tedious and time-consuming task, it is important to teach kids the importance of flossing at an early age. By removing plaque and food particles from between the teeth, flossing helps to prevent cavities and gum disease. While you may be tempted to skip the flossing step, it is important to work with Dr. Matt and learn about teaching kids how to floss correctly.

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What to Do About Children Grinding Their Teeth

Is Your Child Grinding Their Teeth?

You may have noticed your child grinding their teeth. This can happen at any time, but it is most
common at night. Your child may not even realize they are doing it. Some common signs that
your child is grinding is if they have tooth sensitivity, have pain when chewing, have pain in
their jaw, or if you hear them grinding when they are sleeping. It’s important to have your child’s dentist exam their teeth when you notice your child has clenching or grinding habits.

Why Do Children Grind Their Teeth?

There are many reasons why children may grind their teeth. Depending on the age of your child,
it could be due to:

  1. Pain Caused by Teething or Earache: As your baby’s teeth come in, they may experience some discomfort. This can lead to grinding as they try to soothe the pain. Teething can also cause earaches, which can further contribute to the problem.
  2. Misalignment of Teeth or jaw bones: If your child’s teeth are not properly aligned, they may grind them to try and correct the problem. This is especially common if their top and bottom teeth do not meet correctly.
  3. Dehydration: If your child does not drink enough water, they may be more likely to grind their teeth. This is because dehydration can cause the mouth to feel dry and irritated.
  4. Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions can lead to teeth grinding. For instance, cerebral palsy has been linked to teeth grinding. This is due to the involuntary muscle movements associated with the condition.

What You Can Do When Your Child Grinds Their Teeth

There are many things you can do to help your child when they grind their teeth. These include:

  1. Give your Child a Teething Toy: If biting down on something hard helps to relieve the pain of teething, a teething toy for very young children can do wonders. The pressure on the gums can help to reduce the urge to grind. For instance, a frozen wet washcloth can be soothing. Make sure the toy is big enough so your child won’t choke on it.
  2. Encourage your Child to Drink More Water: Make sure your child is getting enough water throughout the day. This will help keep their mouth hydrated and reduce the urge to grind. This is also a great way to keep your child healthy overall.
  3. Encourage Your Child to Relax Before Bedtime: A warm bath or a bedtime story can help your child to relax before sleep. This may reduce the amount of grinding that occurs during the night. A calming nighttime routine can also help your child to get a good night’s sleep overall.
  4. Most Importantly, Take Your Child to the Dentist: If you are concerned about your child’s teeth grinding, arrange a visit with the dentist. They can properly assess the situation. This is especially important if the grinding is causing damage to the teeth.

Teeth grinding is a common problem in children. There are many things you can do to help your child when they grind their teeth. Taking the necessary steps to protect your child’s teeth from further damage is essential.

Contact Us Today

If your child is experiencing teeth grinding or clenching, contact Sprout Kids Dentistry today for treatment. Dr. Anderson will be happy to inspect your child’s mouth an jaw and create a personalized treatment plan to help ease teeth grinding.

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5 Tips to Ease Your Child’s Fear of the Dentist

Going to the dentist can be a scary experience for children. Many kids develop a fear of the dentist as a result of their first visit which can lead to problems down the road, such as poor oral hygiene and even cavities. To ensure that your child has healthy teeth and gums, it is essential to ease their fears and make dental visits a positive experience. Here, we will discuss five tips to help your child feel more comfortable at the dentist’s office.

1. Start Them Young

It is best to introduce your child to the dentist from a young age. This will help them get used to the environment and feel more comfortable with the staff. Additionally, it is essential that your child’s first few visits are positive experiences. If possible, try to schedule their appointment for a time when the office is not too busy. This way, they will have the opportunity to meet the dentist and staff in a relaxed setting.

2. Have a Kid-Friendly Tooth Talk

Before your child’s first visit, sit down with them and explain what the dentist does. Use simple words and avoid any negative language. It is also a good idea to show them pictures of the dentist’s office and staff. This will help ease their fears and make them feel more comfortable with going to the dentist. Many dental offices also have children’s books about dentistry that you can read to your child before their appointment.

3. Give Positive Reinforcement

One of the best ways to ease your child’s fear of the dentist is to offer positive reinforcement. For example, you can tell them they will be big kids if they go to the dentist. You can also offer rewards for good behavior, such as a toy or a trip to the park. This will help to make dental visits more positive experiences for your child. Several dental offices also offer goodie bags for kids after their appointments.

4. Emphasize Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

Another way to ease your child’s fear of the dentist is to emphasize the importance of healthy oral hygiene habits. Explain to them that the dentist is there to help keep their teeth and gums healthy. You can also show them how to brush and floss their teeth properly and explain why this is important. This will help them understand that dental visits are not something to be afraid of.

5. Select a Dentist That Specializes In Kids

It is also essential to select a dentist that specializes in kids. This way, you can ensure that your child receives the best care possible. Sprout Kids Dentistry is an excellent option for families with young children. They offer a wide range of services, including regular checkups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments. Sprout Kids Dentistry also has a team of experienced and friendly staff members dedicated to providing the best possible care for your child.

Making dental visits a positive experience for your child is essential for oral health. By following these tips, you can ease your child’s fear of the dentist and ensure they have healthy teeth and gums.

Schedule a Consultation

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Anderson and her team, you can call our Quincy, MA office at 617-934-6339 or fill out an online contact form. We look forward to meeting you!

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The Importance of Dental Hygiene Through Covid-19

Covid-19 has made all of our routines uncertain, and unfortunately, that also means that some have neglected their oral health. Early in the pandemic, it was difficult to imagine safely visiting the dentist. Today, we understand more about the virus and preventing its transmission, making it safe to schedule your routine appointments. It is especially important for children to see their pediatric dentist at least twice a year.

Postponing Dental Care Allows Problems to Worsen

Even minor dental problems, such as cavities, can escalate to bigger issues if they are left untreated. These issues can be painful for your child and require expensive, complex treatments if left to worsen over time. This is why routine appointments with your dentist are so important at any age. During routine appointments, sealants can also be applied to help prevent cavities or other issues from forming in the future.

For children, however, it is also important for a dentist to have the opportunity to monitor the progress of their teeth and oral health as they quickly grow. Your pediatric dentist will check for normal growth progress and can give you advice for issues that may develop over time. For example, your hygienist and dentist can give valuable advice for nutritional needs, bad habits like thumb-sucking, and at-home hygiene.

In addition to these health problems, avoiding the dentist can make visits unfamiliar and frightening to kids. At Sprout Kids Dentistry, we take extra steps to make visiting the dentist a fun and positive experience for children. This can only be achieved when we see our patients on a regular basis and get to build a relationship over time.

Routine Dentist Appointments Teach Kids Good Habits

Scheduling routine cleanings and checkups allows your hygienist and dentists to teach your child good at-home habits from an early age. This includes proper brushing and flossing techniques that can be difficult to instill in your child as a parent. Seeing the dentist regularly also shows your child that oral health is valuable and reinforces the steps you take at home to take care of your teeth and gums.

Oral Health is Important to Overall Health

Dentists understand that oral health can often indicate your overall health. Signs of conditions ranging from diabetes to respiratory illnesses to poor immune function can be seen in the mouth before other symptoms emerge. Your pediatric dentist is trained to recognize these signs and protect your child’s overall health in addition to their oral health.

How We Make Our Office Covid-Safe

Through the pandemic, we have established a simple Covid-19 protocol that keeps our staff and patients safe. We follow all CDC and ADA disinfecting measures and safety protocols to keep our office sanitized through the day. We also require masks for all adults and children over the age of four and require visitors to wash and sanitize their hands upon entering our office. Only one parent or guardian is permitted to accompany children to treatment areas to limit the number of people in our spaces. Finally, we ask that any patients who are feeling unwell or have a known Covid-19 exposure to follow our cancellation policy and reschedule their appointments.

Schedule an Appointment

To learn more about your pediatric dentistry options or to schedule your first appointment, call (617) 934-6339 or contact us online.

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The Difference Between Children’s Teeth Cleaning and Adult Teeth Cleaning

We all know how important it is to care for our children’s teeth. This includes proper brushing and flossing techniques to help them establish good oral hygiene habits as they grow. However, not all parents realize just how important regular dental cleanings are in childhood. Routine dental check-ups for children may be even more important than they are for grown-ups because they help establish the foundation of good dental hygiene practices that will see young people through their entire lives.

Children should be seen by a pediatric dentist twice a year for regular cleaning and to ensure their teeth are growing properly. Pediatric dentists undergo several years of specialized, rigorous training beyond traditional dental education. While dental check-ups are very similar for adults and children, there are some differences. Here are just a few to know before you bring your child in for their appointment.

Learning How to Care for Your Child’s Teeth

A big part of a regular pediatric dental appointment is making sure kids and parents know how to take care of their teeth. Your child’s dentist will look out for signs that your child is brushing and flossing correctly. If their technique is still lacking, they’ll take the time to teach your child how to brush their teeth thoroughly and floss well. Sometimes, very young children have enough space between their baby teeth that they don’t yet need to floss. However, it’s still very important to be checked by a pediatric dentist throughout development.

Pediatric Teeth Cleaning

Like an adult dental appointment, the main part of a regular pediatric dental appointment is the cleaning stage. Your child’s dental technician will clean their teeth with special toothpaste, floss if necessary, and (depending on the level of build-up present) may use a sonic device to remove plaque and tartar.

Growing Assessment

One vital part of a children’s dental check-up is ensuring that their teeth are coming in correctly. This may require x-rays for teeth that have not erupted yet. When problems in the growth patterns are caught early, children can get early orthodontic care that may help prevent bigger issues down the road.

Schedule an Appointment

Here at Sprout Kids Dentistry, Dr. Michelle Anderson and her team offer quality dental care exclusively for children. Along the way, they strive to educate kids and their parents on good dental hygiene. Start your child out on the path to great dental health for a lifetime of strong, healthy teeth. If you’re looking for excellent pediatric dentistry in Boston, give us a call or use our convenient online form to schedule an appointment with Sprout Kids Dentistry today!

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Truths and Myths About Cavities

Cavities are probably the most well-known dental issue, and also one of the most easily treatable ones as well. And although most parents and kids are aware of their prevalence, it’s unlikely that they’re as well-versed in the reasons they arise, what dentists do to fix them, and even what they actually are. Let’s clear up some of the most common misunderstandings about your kid’s oral health in general and cavities in particular.

Myth: You Only Need A Dentist When Something Hurts

One of the more popular myths surrounding dental care is that checkups are unnecessary unless there’s a specific issue with pain involved. The reason this thinking is flawed is that by the time something in your mouth or teeth is hurting, the issue has progressed way too far. Pain in your mouth and teeth come from nerve signals, which lie in the roots of teeth. When tooth decay or damage reaches the nerve, it’s likely gone past the point of simply needing a filling, which is cheap and simple to fix, to more invasive procedures like a pulpotomy. This is what makes routine dental checkups so important for your child’s oral health. By getting your kid’s teeth examined by Dr. Anderson on a regular basis, you have a trained professional keeping a close eye on their oral health that can identify and solve dental problems before they become painful and costly.

Truth: Sugar and Carbs Cause Cavities

The process that causes cavities begins with bacteria in your mouth enjoying a sugary or carb-loaded feast from the food and drinks you consume. Sugars in sweets like soda and candy—as well as those in bread, potatoes, and pasta—interact with bacteria to form acids that erode tooth enamel.

This starts as plaque, a tacky substance that contains bacteria that coats the surfaces of teeth. Plaque, when it’s soft, can be brushed away on a twice-daily basis, preventing the formation of hardened plaque that cannot be brushed away. This is called calculus. When calculus and the bacteria sealed within it sit on teeth too long, it can wear a hole in the tooth, allowing the bacteria to be even harder to brush away or get out. This is when cavities and other forms of tooth decay form.

The bacteria that cause cavities thrive on sugar and carbohydrates. This doesn’t mean you need to totally eliminate these compounds from your diets—it’s impossible to do, in fact—but it does mean you should help your children fully commit to a diligent brushing and flossing routine to help prevent the accumulation of plaque and calculus.

Myth: Sugar-Free Drinks Don’t Cause Cavities

Although sugar and carbs are the main and most common culprits for encouraging tooth decay, anything that makes the mouth environment more acidic can cause a cavity. This includes sugar-free sodas and anything else with a low pH.

Fact: You Can’t Stop A Cavity in its Tracks

Once a cavity forms, it requires a dentist to correct it. No amount of brushing, flossing, or rinsing can repair the damage to tooth enamel caused by bacterial decay. Once the bacteria makes it halfway through the enamel, there’s no going back.

Myth: Fillings Are Permanent Solutions

Although modern dental techniques and tools are excellent at providing relief and restoration to decayed teeth, they’re still not the same as your natural tooth tissue.  Fillings can wear and break down with time, and bacteria can still cause decay around the edges of a filling, which is another reason why a healthy daily routine is critical to lifelong dental health.

Children’s Dentistry in Quincy, MA

We understand the dentist’s chair can be one of the most intimidating places in your little one’s life, which is why our staff and facilities are tailored to the experience of children. At Sprout Kids Dentistry, we work with parents to craft a personalized plan for your child’s routine care and dental treatment that you’re comfortable with, and that best serves your child’s needs. To learn more about our practice and schedule your first appointment, call our office or contact us online today.

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Toothpaste: When to Start Using and How Much

We understand that parenting comes with a lot of uncertainties and concerns. Oral health is one important area, but it can feel overwhelming to worry about it on top of everything else. Is your child too young to use a toothbrush and toothpaste? Is there a right age to start teaching your child about oral health? Do you use the right amount of toothpaste yourself? Don’t worry! It’s normal to have a lot of questions. Here’s what to know about your child’s oral health and how to navigate it.

When should my child start using toothpaste?

This is a common question among parents with infants. We recommend starting oral hygiene practices as early as possible. For the first few months, your baby will be toothless and there’s no need to use toothpaste. However, you should clean your baby’s gums with a soft cloth and water to prevent the build-up of bacteria. At 24 months, your child should have all their milk teeth come in. You can introduce fluoride-infused toothpaste anywhere between when they have their first tooth and when they have all their teeth. But remember, the earlier the better.

How much toothpaste should my child use?

It’s not recommended to use fluoride toothpaste on children below the age of 6 months because they have no teeth. Fluoride works best on teeth enamel. You should only need a tiny amount for children. At 24 months, all your baby’s teeth should have come in.

Once this happens, you can use a rice grain amount of toothpaste. Pediatric dentists usually recommend less concentrated levels of fluoride in toothpaste suited for children. Shop for baby-friendly toothpaste brands. Toothpaste should be used together with a soft-bristled toothbrush suitable for tender baby teeth and gums.

How often should my child brush?

Like general dentistry, it’s a universal rule in kids’ dentistry to brush and floss teeth daily. Brushing with toothpaste, in particular, should be regularly done twice a day. Encourage your children to brush their teeth gently over a two minutes and spit the toothpaste out.

When should I increase the amount of toothpaste?

Kids grow rapidly and usually, the small pea-sized amount of toothpaste isn’t enough after a while. Once they turn three years old, consider increasing the measure of toothpaste to a pea-size amount. Your child’s pediatric dentist can help you make sure you’re getting the right amount. As your children age, they’ll begin to use the same type and amount of toothpaste you use on your teeth.

Schedule an Appointment

As a parent, it’s important to assist your child through these dental hygiene habits until they are old enough to manage it on their own. We recommend starting early for healthier and brighter teeth with minimal problems in the future. If you still have questions or are looking for the right pediatric dentist for your child, we can help. Schedule an appointment with our team by contacting our Quincy office. We invite you to call or fill out our online form.

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How Do Sealants for Children Work?

How Do Sealants for Children Work?

While brushing and flossing are the most effective ways to prevent cavities, it can be particularly difficult for small children to clean their teeth thoroughly by reaching all the areas where bacteria can accumulate. For this reason, many dentists recommend sealants, which can reduce tooth decay in children. Sealants have also been in use since the 1960s, meaning they have a safe an effective track record. Here’s what to know about this option if you are considering this for your children’s dental health.

How Do Sealants Work?

A dental sealant is a coating made from a special type of BPA-free resin or similar material that sticks to the molars’ chewing surfaces. It essentially acts as a raincoat for the teeth and can protect the underlying enamel.

Bacteria and food particles form acids that create cavities or holes in teeth. Just as a raincoat keeps you from getting wet during a storm, the sealant keeps bacteria and acid from settling on the surface of your teeth. This means that bacteria can’t eat away at the enamel and cause decay over time.

Who Can Get Sealants?

While virtually anybody can benefit from sealants, however they are especially beneficial for children as they don’t develop the necessary coordination and habits to brush their teeth effectively until around six to nine years of age.

A child’s first molars typically grow in when they are around six years old, while their second molars emerge when they are about twelve. Applying sealants to these teeth as soon as they emerge can protect them from the start and thus prevent decay and the need for expensive fillings. Sealants can also prevent premature tooth loss, which in turn reduces the risk of bite problems.

How Are Sealants Applied?

Getting sealants is quick and painless. Your child’s dentist will start by thoroughly cleaning and drying the teeth. They will then apply an acidic gel that will make the surface of the teeth rougher so the sealant will stick to them more readily. After rinsing off the gel, your child’s dentist will dry the teeth and paint the sealant on them. Finally, your child’s dentist will shine a special blue light on your child’s teeth to make the sealant harden more quickly. The whole process takes under an hour, and the exact time will depend on the number of teeth being treated.

Can Sealants Be Placed Over Cavities?

No. A sealant is placed on a cavity-free tooth and used to lower the risk of that tooth developing a cavity.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, sealants can last for up to a decade. It’s still a good idea to take your child to their dentist regularly, though, so they can look for chips or worn spots in the sealant. If necessary, your child’s dentist can apply more sealant coating to repair the sealant.

Schedule an Appointment

Sealants are an excellent way to set your child up for a lifetime of dental health. To meet with our pediatric dentistry team, we invite you to contact Sprout Kids Dentistry by calling our Quincy office or filling out our online form.

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