Sealants

All teeth in the back of the mouth have grooves in them. Many of the grooves are defects where the tooth did not develop properly. They may have openings into the inside of the tooth. They collect food debris and are the starting point of dental decay.

If the grooves are detected at the right time, which is soon after they have erupted and no decay has set in, the grooves can be sealed with a plastic resin or a sealant which can prevent decay from starting.

Various sealant materials are available to close the defects in the tooth before decay starts. Teeth sealants are either natural tooth colored or slightly off color for easy observation of their retention on the tooth.

Sealants are most indicated for the permanent first and second molars. First molars erupt around age six and second molars usually around age twelve. It is best to seal them within six months of their eruption. Premolars, the teeth in front of the molars; are not as prone to formation of grooves as the molars and may not need sealant protection on a routine basis. Occasionally, sealants can be considered for baby or deciduous teeth. It is not always easy to detect the onset on decay even with electronic gauging devices and therefore best to seal the permanent molar teeth as soon as they erupt as a preventative measure. Sealant placement cannot be successfully placed after the onset of decay in the tooth. Placement of teeth sealants is relatively simple and does not need the use of any anesthetic. Various isolation techniques are used to keep the tooth dry- a mild acid will cleanse the tooth and create microscopic pores to mechanically lock and retain the sealant material. Plastic is applied and hardened and the sealant is completed. Teeth sealants need to be observed at recare visits to ensure that the edges or thin area of the sealants are not worn out and if needed, they need to be repaired or replaced.

It is estimated that more than 50 % of the back molar teeth will have decay if not protected with sealants. Restoring teeth with fillings is usually more expensive and invasive than the simple placement of a sealant for teeth. Waiting to place a sealant for teeth that are fully erupted in the mouth has risks of starting decay that can be easily avoided.

Sealants for teeth are a simple, well-documented measure of protecting teeth from decay. They preserve tooth structure and reduce the cost of oral health care

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Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Teeth whitening is not for everyone. Pregnant or lactating women should avoid it. So should anyone younger than 16. If you have allergies or sensitive teeth, your teeth may become more sensitive, or your allergies  may be aggravated by teeth whitening.

You should avoid teeth whitening if you have worn enamel, exposed roots, gum disease or cavities. You may do further damage by whitening with these dental issues. Uneven whitening can occur with crowns, fillings and other restorations.

Teeth whitening is meant to bring teeth back to their natural appearance and not a shocking white.

Begin any whitening regimen with a realistic expectation says Dr. Cherukuri from her Chino, California dental practice

 Teeth that are darkly stained, may not become as white as you would like them. Purple or gray-stained teeth tend to not respond well. Brown discoloring tends to not respond well, either.
Also get to know the whitening product being used. Stay away from scratchy and abrasive OTC polishers- they simply work by mechanically removing the outer layer which wears away enamel.

 “The In Office whitening products yield the best results because of a higher concentration of the oxidizing agent used and more importantly, there is a trained chairside to monitor and modify the process to achieve maximum whitening while limiting the sensitivity” adds Dr. Cherukuri.

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Your Child's First Visit to the Dentist

It is generally recommended that a child be seen by a dentist by the age of 1 or within 6 months after his or her first tooth comes in.

What Happens at the First Dental Visit?

The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. This visit gives your child an opportunity to meet the dentist in a non-threatening and friendly way. Some dentists may ask the parent to sit in the dental chair and hold their child during the examination. The parent may also be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a relationship can be built between your child and your dentist.

During the exam, your dentist will check all of your child's existing teeth for decay, examine your child's bite, and look for any potential problems with the gums, jaw, and oral tissues. If indicated, the dentist or hygienist will clean any teeth and assess the need for fluoride. He or she will also educate parents about oral health care basics for children and discuss dental developmental issues and answer any questions.

Topics your dentist may discuss with you might include:

1. Good oral hygiene practices for your child's teeth and gums and cavity prevention
2. Fluoride needs
3. Oral habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip sucking)
4. Developmental milestones
5. Teething
6. Proper nutrition
7. Schedule of dental checkups. Many dentists like to see children every 6 months to build up the child's comfort and confidence level in visiting the dentist, to monitor the development of the teeth, and promptly treat any developing problems.

Early dentist visits enhance oral and general health and boost confidence in children says Dr Cherukuri from her dental practice in Chino, California.

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