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Start The New School Year Off With New Habits!

FAQ

By Sarah Wellman - July 11, 2018

Start The New School Year With New Habits!
 

What is a Sealant?
 
A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces (grooves) of the back teeth (premolars and molars), where four out of five cavities in children are found. This sealant acts as a barrier to food, plaque and acid, thus protecting the decay-prone areas of the teeth.
 
 What is Fluoride?
 
Fluoride-containing compounds are used in topical and systemic fluoride therapy for preventing tooth decay.  Fluoride treatment works to prevent cavities by (i) stopping the demineralization, or breakdown, of your child’s teeth, (ii) promoting the remineralization, or strengthening, of those very same teeth, and (iii) providing antibacterial effects by disrupting the enzymes used by bacteria found in plaque.
We recommend the use of fluoride-containing toothpastes for your child upon eruption of the first tooth.  If your child cannot spit, then we recommend using only a minimal smear of toothpaste.  For pre-school aged children who have developed the ability to spit productively, a small, pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing fluoride is adequate.  We recommend parents to supervise and assist small children with their brushing.
 
 What’s the BEST toothpaste/toothbrush for my child?
 
We recommend the use of fluoride-containing toothpastes for your child upon eruption of the first tooth.  If your child cannot spit, then we recommend using only a minimal smear of toothpaste.  For pre-school aged children who have developed the ability to spit productively, a small, pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing fluoride is adequate.  We recommend parents to supervise and assist small children with their brushing.
 
Either a soft bristle tooth brush or an electric tooth brush with a soft bristle head is recommended. Electric tooth brushes can remove plaque with less effort on your child’s part than a regular brush. A soft bristle brush is preferable for use by children. However, both are effective with your supervision.

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