Tooth decay is a widespread issue among children, affecting over 50% of 5 to 9-year olds and increasing to an alarming 78% in 17-year-olds. This chronic childhood disease can lead to more than 51 million school hours lost each year due to dental-related illnesses. Fortunately, maintaining a good oral hygiene regimen at home and receiving preventive dental care from our office can help protect your child from tooth decay.
At the practice of Monica Rao, DMD, we recommend applying dental sealants to provide your child with extra protection during their cavity-prone years. These thin, plastic-like coatings are painted onto newly erupted permanent back teeth and have been proven to reduce the risk of cavities in school-aged children by approximately 80%, according to the American Dental Association. In fact, children who do not receive dental sealants develop almost three times more cavities than those who do.
Once applied and set, dental sealants are quite durable and can last for several years. During routine dental check-up visits at our office, we will evaluate the condition of these sealants to ensure they remain intact and reapply them as needed.
By establishing a partnership with our dental practice, you can help your child develop and maintain a healthy smile for years to come. Our dedicated staff is committed to providing skilled and experienced care to support your family's oral health needs.
For more information about the services we offer or to schedule an appointment, please give us a call today. We look forward to helping you create a strong foundation for a lifetime of oral health.