Want to know how to take care of your child's newly sealed teeth?
Kids' dental hygiene is a priority for all parents, especially when their children get fissure sealants. If the sealants are properly cared for, it help shield them from cavities and tooth decay.
At Gorgeous Smiles, we want to make sure that your child continues to have excellent dental health, which is why we have created this aftercare guide to assist you!
Thus, continue reading if you want to ensure that sealants remain strong and effective!
Before we dive into the "how-to" section, let's first understand why aftercare is crucial after your child gets fissure sealant. These dental sealants are thin coatings applied to the molars' chewing surfaces. This protects them from bacteria and plaque buildup.
Fissure sealants can last for up to 10 years with proper maintenance. Without proper care, the sealants can wear off quickly, leaving room for bacteria to cause harm.
Moreover, taking good care of your child's teeth sets a foundation for their future dental hygiene habits. It teaches them how to maintain oral health and prevents any complications that may arise due to poor care.
Promote appropriate brushing methods: Plaque accumulation can erode or harm the sealant. Therefore, brushing is crucial to maintaining teeth free of damage. Ensure that your child uses fluoride toothpaste twice a day and brushes for a minimum of two minutes.
Prevent eating sticky or hard foods: For the first 24 hours, avoid eating foods like hard candies or sticky foods. They can dislodge and put excess pressure on the dental sealant, potentially damaging the sealant.
Rinse with water: To get rid of any food particles in your pits and fissure sealants, rinse your mouth out with water after eating. These particles can turn into plaque if left undisturbed, and plaque is a leading cause of tooth decay.
Pain or sensitivity following the procedure: Provide your child with over-the-counter pain medication. Use a cold compress to minimise swelling; if they feel uncomfortable or sensitive, adhere to the procedure. Discuss it with your dentist if the pain continues.
Keep a watchful eye on your child's sealants: Make sure the sealants are still intact by scheduling follow-up dental appointments as well as keeping a close check on their condition. See your dentist for repairs or replacements if there is any wear-off or damage.
Be cautious with oral habits: Discourage your child from biting their nails, chewing on pens, or using their tooth to open packages. These habits can cause stress on the permanent teeth and damage the pit and fissure sealants.
Drink plenty of water: Just like rinsing with water, you can also wash away food particles that can damage dental sealants. This is by encouraging your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Following these aftercare instructions for fissure sealant, these are a few extra tips. These tips ensure your child's sealants remain in top condition:
Encourage a balanced diet: While we've talked about limiting sugary and acidic foods, it's equally important to encourage a diet. A diet that is wealthy in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. These foods not only nurture overall health but also support oral health.
Promote a flossing habit: Here's a riddle - what's thin, minty, and your new best friend? Dental floss! Flossing is essential to clean those hard-to-reach gaps where bacteria love to party. Teach your child to floss gently to avoid damaging the sealants.
Cut down on sodas and juices: These drinks may be a favourite for most kids, but they're not a friend to dental sealants. They’re often high in sugar and acids, even the 'healthier' options. Try to limit their intake and encourage water or milk instead.
Use a sealant-safe toothbrush: Some toothbrushes can be too harsh on sealants. Opt for a soft-bristle brush that's gentle yet effective at cleaning your child's teeth without damaging the sealants.
Positive Reinforcement: Last but certainly not least, don't underestimate the power of a gold star! Giving your children a reward for performing good oral hygiene will encourage them to maintain their sealants and teeth.
Certainly! They don't involve drilling or removal of enamel, and they are non-invasive. To stop tooth decay, it particularly fills in the children's pits and fissures. The quick and simple process will benefit adults as well as your children.
Consult your dentist to decide whether fissure sealants are the best option for your child. Remember that proper maintenance is necessary to guarantee the safety of fissure sealants. Also, it guarantees how well they protect your child's tooth from harm.
Since children are most susceptible to cavities and grooves between the ages of 5 and 14, most dentists suggest having sealant applied during this time. Adults who are susceptible to cavities, however, may consider fissure sealants. To find the most efficient course of action, speak with your dentist.
Maintaining your child's dental health and eliminating further issues requires proper maintenance. You can ensure that your child's sealants will keep their teeth safe for a long time by following these steps.
Adults can get dental sealants at any age, but the best time to get them is when the tooth enamel is still intact to avoid dental decay.
Children benefit most from fissure sealants, but adults with cavities-prone teeth can also get them. See your dentist to learn if you are eligible for sealants. Remember that even with sealant, good oral hygiene practices are still required.
It's likely that you're wondering if you can eat soon after having those fissure sealants done. After the treatment, you can eat right away as long as you limit your intake to soft foods that won't put pressure on the sealants.
To give the sealant time to settle, some of the dentists' post operative instructions are to wait at least 24 hours. This is after the operation before chewing crunchy carrots or sticky and hard candies.
Your dentist will most likely suggest a few typical instructions following dental sealants. This is to protect the effectiveness and longevity of the procedure. To enable the sealant to completely bond your grooves, avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 30 minutes
Fissure sealants have several years of lifespan with proper care. However, they may require replacement or repair if they become worn out or damaged over time. Keep in mind that routine dental checkups and care can help your child's sealants last longer.
Although fissure sealants are an excellent method of preventing tooth decay, it is important to remember that they cannot take the place of practising proper dental hygiene. Urge your kids to maintain their twice-daily teeth brushing routine.
A great way of preventing cavities and tooth decay in your child's teeth is to use fissure sealants. By implementing simple aftercare instructions and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can guarantee that their sealed teeth remain strong and healthy for a lengthy time.
In essence, the journey of caring for fissure sealants doesn't end at the dentist's chair. It's a continuous process that requires vigilance, commitment, and a proper dental hygiene routine.
For the best sealant maintenance, don't forget to schedule regular dental checkups. Keep in mind that prevention is always better than cure, and investing in your child's oral health now can save you time and money.
Disclaimer: every treatment has risks. The treatment posted on this page might not be appropriate for your oral environment. You need a full consultation with an Australian qualified dental professional before we can confirm if you are a good candidate for any treatments. Results vary from person to person. This page’s posts does not replace real life dental professional’s examination & opinion. We are a very experienced team of general dentists with special interests in different fields if dentistry. Learn more about the risks here.
