By Arthur Kezian

Preventive dentistry is a key element in keeping a patient’s smile nice and healthy. It is important to take care of the smallest problems when they arise to prevent further complications in the future, hence, preventive dentistry.

Prevention should start at young age for it serves two great purposes. One reason is because the child will be accustomed to the idea of taking care of his or her teeth regularly instead of visiting the dentist when he or she is in pain. Long, overdue dental visits very rarely end up without any treatment recommendations. Usually, a patient who has not seen a dentist for a while, or waits to see one when pain begins, needs to take care of a big procedure. This brings us to the second important reason – taking your child to a dentist for preventive measures will only save you time and money in the long run. 

One way a dentist can really help prevent problems for children’s teeth is by placing dental sealants on them. When children lose their baby teeth and have their permanent teeth come in, it is important to close off all the little grooves and indentations on the biting surface of the tooth. Sealants are basically liquid-like fillings that are dried and hardened by a special light in a quick and painless dental visit. They basically act as a protective shield for teeth as they prevent bacteria, sugars and plaque from entering the small grooves. Although sealants are temporary and will eventually wear away as a child grows, sealants will help keep their teeth cavity-free for years! Dental sealants can last up to ten or more years, but this number is subject to change depending on eating habits, brushing techniques, acidity levels in the mouth, and even the types of foods that are eaten. With proper care, sealants can definitely be great investments for growing children.

Do you have any children or know any that are losing their baby teeth? Maybe it’s time you take them to a dentist  to get their permanent teeth taken care of, after all, they’ll be with those teeth for the rest of their lives.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777