{"id":167,"date":"2019-01-11T18:45:20","date_gmt":"2019-01-11T18:45:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alamospringsdental.com\/blog\/?p=167"},"modified":"2019-02-01T18:49:45","modified_gmt":"2019-02-01T18:49:45","slug":"childrens-dentist-in-alamo-ranch-on-preventing-cavities-instead-of-filling-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alamospringsdental.com\/blog\/childrens-dentist-in-alamo-ranch-on-preventing-cavities-instead-of-filling-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Children\u2019s Dentist In Alamo Ranch On Preventing Cavities Instead of Filling Them"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If you\u2019re the parent of a young child, you may not be aware\nthat their first permanent molars come in around age 6. Since these teeth have\nto last them the rest of their lives, it\u2019s incredibly worthwhile to prevent\nthem from developing cavities that require major dental work to repair. Especially\nsince a few basic preventive measures can keep these teeth from ever needing\ndental work at all! You\u2019re probably already aware of the importance of limiting\nsugar, establishing good brushing and flossing, and scheduling checkups with a\nchildren\u2019s dentist in Alamo Ranch. But you may be less familiar with the\nimportance of dental sealants. Keep reading to learn more about this simple\nprocedure and how it prevents your child from getting cavities in their back\nteeth!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Won\u2019t Good Brushing and Flossing Alone Prevent Cavities?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Brushing and flossing are still the foundation of good oral\nhealth. But the back teeth (molars) have a kind of  \u201cdesign flaw\u201d that makes it impossible to\nkeep them clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These teeth are made for chewing hard, tough foods, so they\nhave a flat chewing surface that contains a lot of pits and grooves. Unfortunately,\ntoothbrush bristles are too big to get into these tiny grooves to clean them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why, even when a child\u2019s brushing habits are\nexcellent, plaque and cavity-causing bacteria remain on the surface of these\nteeth and lead to tooth decay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are Dental Sealants? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dental sealants are very thin, strong coatings that seal\nover the pits and grooves of the molars to protect them from microscopic\nbacteria. Sealants create a smooth surface on the chewing surface of these\nteeth, which is much easier to keep clean than the rough, pitted surface that\u2019s\nnaturally there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The material used is tooth-colored so it won\u2019t show up when\nyour child smiles. The first set of sealants is recommended around age 6 when\nthe first permanent molars come in, and the second set is recommended around\nage 12 when the second permanent molars come in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is the Procedure Like? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Having sealants placed is much faster and easier than\ngetting fillings and doesn\u2019t require any anesthesia. Here are the basic steps: <\/p>\n\n\n\n