This is the age to help your child learn how to use dental floss. Flossing cleans between the teeth where the toothbrush cannot reach. You can help protect children's dental health by teaching them to avoid sugary snacks between meals and to choose snacks that are healthy and fun. Your Dental Hygienist can help prevent tooth decay by applying sealants to your child's teeth. A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay most often occurs.
Children receive the greatest benefit from having sealants applied to newly erupted permanent teeth.
The permanent molars may develop with deep grooves that are difficult to keep clean as the bristles of the toothbrush cannot reach into these grooves. This allows plaque and food to collect and cause decay. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting these important teeth. Each tooth takes only a few minutes to seal and this protective covering lasts for several years. This article was published by the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association.