Pediatric dentistry is a branch that not just focuses on the treatment part but also on Prevention of disease in children. The most common oral disease in kids is dental decay.
This blog talks about one of the various preventive approaches the approaches the pedodontist adopts to prevent dental decay.
Pit and Fissure Sealants
Pit and fissure sealants are thin coating which are applied to the pits and fissures of chewing surfaces of the molars (both milk teeth and permanent teeth) and premolars (back teeth). Most tooth decay in children and teens occurs on these surfaces as they are inaccessible to the toothbrush bristles. Also the topical fluoride in toothpaste is more effective on smooth surfaces thus making these areas more susceptible to cavities.
Benefits of sealants
Sealants form a protective layer on teeth and makes it impossible for plaque to stick in the pits and grooves of teeth thus avoiding decay. Infact, sealants can prevent more than 80% of dental caries in children, thus reducing the need for fillings and other more invasive procedures.
Sealants are an economical preventive measure to keep teeth healthy and caries free.
Appearance
Sealants can be clear, white, slightly tinted or colored. Because they are usually used only on the back teeth, they aren’t usually visible when a child talks or smiles(unless colored).
Preventive Resin Restoration
The preventive resin restoration is a natural extension of the use of occlusal sealants. It integrates the preventive approach of the sealant therapy for caries-susceptible pits and fissures with the restoration of initial caries with composite resin that occur on the same occlusal surface.
In a nutshell, sealants help maintain sound, intact teeth. Every time a tooth is filled or a filling is replaced, additional tooth structure is lost. Appropriate use of sealants can save time, money, and the discomfort for your child associated with dental treatment.
– Dr. Shweta Nihalini, Specialist Pediatric Dentist
