Are you concerned about tooth decay in your children? Most parents are, and so is your dentist at Oxford Smiles in Marlborough, MA. Dr. Jas Arora offers a full range of pediatric dentistry services to keep young teeth healthy. Dental sealants are one of them. They protect young teeth from cavities.

What is a cavity?

Essentially, a cavity is a hole in tooth enamel. Caused by acids given off by oral bacteria, a cavity progresses deeper into the tooth structure, ruining dental health if not treated.

Unfortunately, everyone is prone to tooth decay…especially children. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that tooth decay is the number one chronic disease in children. Dr. Arora offers superior preventive dental services, including exams, beginning at age one.

Exams, cleanings, X-rays and sealants

You probably know what dental exams, cleanings and X-rays involve. You make sure you and your family get them to keep your own oral health in tiptop shape. But, just what are sealants?

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Back teeth have highly intricate surfaces, and sadly, they catch and hold onto the sticky plaque and hard tartar which harbor oral bacteria. As such, decay infiltrates these grooves, pits and fissures. Sometimes, even your toothbrush, floss and in-office cleanings cannot protect them.

That’s where dental sealants come into play. Dr. Arora frequently recommends them for a child’s first and second molars. The treatment is quick, economical and long-lasting (up to a year). In just one visit, your child’s teeth receive excellent protection.

The sealant process

Each tooth receiving a sealant is cleaned and dried. Then, the dentist applies the sealant in liquid form, carefully painting into all the little grooves and pits. The liquid is hardened with a dental light. Then, Dr. Arora moves on to the next tooth. The coatings are durable and totally unnoticeable.

Reduce pediatric decay

Who wouldn’t want to do that? The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that plastic dental sealants reduce cavities by 80 percent. Why not take advantage of this impressive statistic? Make a call to Oxford Smiles in Marlborough, MA, and ask about this preventive service. Dentist, Dr. Jas Arora, will tell you all about them and other ways to keep your child’s smiles healthy for life. Phone our office at (508) 251-1701.