Discover how dental sealants can help prevent tooth decay and cavities in your child. Did you know that childhood tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases? In fact, over half of all children between the ages of 5 to 9 years old have at least one cavity or filling. And by the time they reach their teenage years, the incidence of tooth decay increases to a staggering 78%. Worse yet, dental-related illnesses cause more than 51 million school hours to be lost each year. However, you can safeguard your child's oral health with a good home oral hygiene regimen and by utilizing the services offered at Monica Rao, DMD, including dental sealants.
To further enhance your child's protection against tooth decay, we recommend applying dental sealants. These thin plastic coatings are painted onto the surfaces of freshly emerged permanent back teeth, serving as a barrier to prevent food particles and bacteria from getting trapped in these hard-to-reach areas. According to the American Dental Association, dental sealants can significantly reduce the risk of cavities in school-aged children by approximately 80%. In fact, children who don't receive dental sealants are almost three times more likely to develop cavities than those who do.
While dental sealants are quite durable and can last for several years, we will examine them during routine dental check-up visits to ensure they remain intact and reapply if necessary. By working together with our dedicated staff at the office of Monica Rao, DMD, you can help your child establish a strong foundation for optimal oral health that will serve them well throughout their lives.
It's essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices at home, but regular dental visits and preventive care measures like dental sealants can make a significant difference in your child's long-term oral health. To learn more about our comprehensive approach to dental care or to schedule an appointment for your family, give us a call today.