A sealant is a solution that Dr. Schotthoefer brushes on the biting surface of your child’s back teeth. As it dries, the solution becomes a thin plastic-like covering that prevents food from getting stuck on or between teeth. The best defense against cavities is good and regular brushing and flossing but it’s difficult for a child to get every crown and valley clean. Sealants are a proven way to help keep bacteria from causing decay. The sealant also releases fluoride to keep teeth healthy while they are sealed.
Sealants can be applied at any age but are most effective for a child. The ideal timing is when the first set of permanent molars appear around age six. The Centers for Disease Control states that, “school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants.” Sealants are a simple way to help keep your child’s teeth healthy.
Studies show that more than 5 million teeth are lost each year in sporting activities and that only about two-thirds of participants wear a properly fitting mouthguard in sports where it is required and only about 5% when it’s not. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends a mouthguard for all children participating in organized youth sporting activities.
Mouthguards offer protection for the teeth and tissues and are proven to help save teeth. A custom-made mouthguard has been shown to offer the most protection and is the kind of mouthguard we offer here in our practice. We use our iTero digital scanner to capture an exact image of your child’s teeth and create the custom mouthguard – no goopy impression is necessary. Let’s focus on injury prevention and help you avoid extensive and costly dental work after an injury takes place.
Inspired Family Dental Care is a full service dental care practice for all ages. We are proudly serving the greater Grosse Pointe metro area including Grosse Pointe Woods, Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Farms, Harper Woods, St Clair Shores, and beyond! Give us a jingle and let Dr. Kristen Schotthoefer and her team help you put the confidence back in your smile.
