Sealants are essentially a clear coating applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent molars to create a smooth surface. Thus, making the teeth easier to clean. Sealants can be applied by a kid friendly dentist in Lincoln, NE to help prevent cavities from forming. Do know, however, that some brands of sealants do contain trace amounts of fluoride, which can be absorbed slowly. Thus, potentially preventing early signs of demineralization from progressing deeper into the tooth.

Sealants can be applied by your kid-friendly dentist near me in Lincoln, NE to six-year molars after they have fully erupted. Typically, they have adequately erupted by age seven or eight. Later, when the twelve-year molars have finished erupting, approximately age thirteen or fourteen, the twelve-year molars can be sealed as well. 

Every child should be evaluated for deep pits and grooves that may be very difficult to clean. As a kid friendly dentist in Lincoln, NE, I consistently educate parents so that they are aware that some children do not need sealants to prevent decay strictly because of the way the teeth developed naturally. Should your child need sealants, however, they have been shown to be an extremely effective method of cavity prevention especially for children who have molars with deep fissures. Sealants for children are low in cost and oftentimes, insurance companies offer coverage for this service. 

Sealants can last for several years, but it is important to know that the lifespan of a dental sealant varies. This life span depends on whether the patient grinds or clenches their teeth, chews ice, and or chews on hard candy. 

Even if a child has good oral hygiene and brushes twice daily, it is still possible to have bad breath. Please help your child brush their tongue thoroughly and floss. Flossing, brushing, and cleaning the tongue along with drinking enough water will help reduce the number of bacteria that are present within the mouth. Not treating cavities can cause an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth, thus contributing to bad breath. See your kid friendly dentist in Lincoln, NE regularly for checkups to ensure early treatment of all dental conditions.

Persistent bad breath despite good oral hygiene could signify gum disease, untreated cavities, or dental infections. Additional causes could be allergies. Allergies can cause inflammation of the soft tissues in the mouth, acid reflux, tonsillitis, or dehydration.

Practicing good oral hygiene and having regular dental visits with your kid friendly dentist in Lincoln, NE, to address cavities or gum problems is the number one step in getting rid of bad breath in your toddler. If your child has an underlying medical condition such as allergies, acid reflux, sinus infections, or tonsillitis, treating these conditions can help prevent chronic bad breath.

Children can suffer from teeth grinding at night, just like adults. Roughly 15-33% of children grind their teeth, which is a significant statistic! Grinding of “baby” teeth isn’t known to cause as many problems in children as does the grinding permanent teeth. After the adult teeth have erupted, the problem is that if a child still grinds their teeth it will ultimately result in the same problems that adults experience. At some point, your child could develop the need for crowns or a nightguard to help with grinding, which you should consider doing sooner rather than later.

Any of our skilled, gentle family dentists in Lincoln, NE, would be more than happy to help answer your questions regarding your child’s dental health.