Did you know that tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease? According to statistics, over 50 percent of 5 to 9-year old children have at least one cavity or filling, with the incidence of tooth decay increasing to 78 percent among 17-year-olds. Furthermore, more than 51 million school hours are lost each year to dental-related illness. While these numbers may seem alarming, the truth is that with a good oral hygiene regimen at home and a program of preventive dental care from our office; you can protect your child from tooth decay.
Providing an added level of protection against cavities
As part of the comprehensive program of preventive care offered by the office of Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA, we recommend the application of dental sealants. These thin, plastic-like coatings are painted onto the surface of newly erupted permanent back teeth help to provide your child with additional protection through the cavity-prone years. In fact, the value of dental sealants is well documented. According to the American Dental Association, they reduce the risk of cavities in school-age children by approximately 80%. And, it has also been demonstrated that children who do not receive dental sealants, develop almost three times more cavities than children who do have them.
While dental sealants, once they are applied and set, are quite durable and can last for several years, our office will evaluate them at routine dental check-up visits to make sure that they are intact and reapply as needed.
Helping your child enjoy optimal oral health
Remember, establishing a partnership with our dental office is the best way to help your child develop and maintain a healthy smile for years to come!
At the office of Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA, we provide skilled and experienced care to help your child create a strong foundation for a lifetime of oral health. For more information on our office and the many services that we provide, or to schedule an appointment for care, give us a call today.
By Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA
November 7, 2019
Blog Posts
