February is Pediatric Dental Health Month and this year, the focus is all about sealants! We've teamed up with Carolina Kids Dentistry, with offices in Waxhaw and Mint Hill, to share some of the top things you need to know about your kids' teeth and sealants.
| WHAT IS A PEDIATRIC SEALANT? |
| Pediatric sealants are a protective coating placed on the first permanent molars that come in around 6 and 12 years of age. They give permanent teeth longevity. We only get one of each molar, so it’s important to preserve those teeth as much as we can! |
| WHY DO CAROLINA KIDS DENTISTRY RECOMMEND SEALANTS? |
Most pediatric dentists recommend sealants because it helps the tooth stay healthy for longer. 6-year molars are usually the first ones to blow up when we’re older (think root canal!). Research has shown that sealants can reduce a child’s risk of decay in treated teeth by up to 80%. The CDC has even weighed in, stating that children without dental sealants may be 3 times more likely to develop decay in the same teeth than children with sealants. |
| HOW LONG DO SEALANTS LAST? |
| They can last up to ten years. |
| WHAT AFFECTS THE LIFESPAN OF SEALANTS? |
| Sealants are sturdy and should last up to 10 years, but may need replacing sooner, depending on your child’s lifestyle. Avoiding chewing on ice and hard candy can prolong their life and prevent chipping which might allow decay to sneak in and rot the tooth from the inside. |
| HOW DO SEALANTS BREAK DOWN? |
| They naturally wear away from daily eating. |
| DO SEALANTS REQUIRE MAINTENANCE? |
| They are checked during regular dental exams where they can be easily repaired if necessary. |
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Carolina Kids Dentistry is located at 9817 Suzanne Ct., Waxhaw NC 28173 / (980) 339-8720
