“A sealant is a clear or tinted plastic covering painted and sealed on the chewing surfaces of teeth. A sealant acts like a barrier and keeps food and bacteria from getting stuck in the grooves and pits. This will help to keep teeth free from decay. Sealants can be applied to a tooth as soon as it arrives in the mouth.” [source: Health Canada, Healthy Living, Children.]
A dental professional may suggest applying sealants to some of your child’s teeth to prevent Early Childhood Tooth Decay (ECTD). ECTD is a severe type of tooth decay that can affect baby teeth, especially the upper front teeth. It is caused by food left in the mouth from feeding, such as milk (including breast milk), juice and other drinks. The sugars in food combined with the bacteria in plaque creates an acid that can damage the enamel of a tooth. The longer and more often food is left in the mouth, the greater the chance of developing ECTD.
You can prevent ECTD by cleaning your child’s mouth and teeth after each feeding. If your child falls asleep while you are feeding, take the bottle away. Avoid filling your child’s bottle with sugary liquids. Health Canada recommends water as the best liquid to give your child if he or she is thirsty. Never dip a pacifier or soother in honey or other sweeteners.
How to Check Your Child’s Mouth for Early Childhood Tooth Decay
- Lift the lip and check the teeth for:
- brown or yellow spots on the teeth or “chalky” white areas
- grooves or changes to the front teeth.
Call our office and book an appointment immediately should you see any of these concerns.
AXIS Dental Group offers the following Preventive Dentistry services for children of all ages including:
- Dental cleanings (prophylaxis), including flossing, fluorides and sealants
- Orthodontics
- Oral health education and information
- Nutrition counseling
- Mouth-guards for sports and bruxism (grinding)
AXIS Dental Group is conveniently located in the Dixie Plaza at 14 Lisa Street, south of Queen Street East and west off Dixie Road in Brampton. New to the Brampton, Caledon, Georgetown, Halton Hills, Milton, Mississauga, Oakville, Orangeville, Richmond Hill area and looking for professional dental care? We invite you to learn more about Children’s Dentistry and our commitment to building healthy little smiles – one at a time!
