Tooth decay is a common issue among children, affecting over 50% of those aged 5 to 9 years old. As they grow older, the incidence increases to 78% among 17-year-olds. This leads to more than 51 million school hours lost each year due to dental-related illnesses. However, with a good oral hygiene regimen at home and regular preventive dental care from our office, you can help protect your child from tooth decay.
As part of the comprehensive preventive care offered by the office of Monica Rao, DMD, we recommend applying dental sealants. These thin, plastic-like coatings are painted onto the surface of newly erupted permanent back teeth to provide your child with extra protection during their cavity-prone years. According to the American Dental Association, dental sealants can reduce the risk of cavities in school-aged children by approximately 80%. In fact, research has shown that children who do not receive dental sealants develop almost three times more cavities than those who do have them.
Once applied and set, dental sealants are quite durable and can last for several years. During routine dental check-up visits, we will evaluate their condition to ensure they remain intact and reapply as needed.
Establishing a partnership with our dental office is the best way to help your child maintain a healthy smile for years to come. At the office of Monica Rao, DMD, we provide skilled and experienced care to help you create a strong foundation for a lifetime of oral health.
For more information on our services or to schedule an appointment, please give us a call today.