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[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Sealants: What are they and how do they help?[/caption]

Molars are made up of canyons, caves, pits, and seemingly endless caverns that are a breeding ground for decay. The protective solution is a sealant. When done correctly, a sealant from Dr. Allen Job of All Smiles Pediatric Dentistry can be most effective in preventing cavities.

A sealant is made up of composite (a plastic-like) material that contains bonding agents to seal to the edge of the tooth. Sealants placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth block food from being trapped. The process in which a sealant is placed is quite precise and painless.

First the tooth is cleaned with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) spray. Then an acid etch is applied to “roughen up” the surface. No saliva is to touch the tooth. This will re-mineralize the area, then a repeat etching is needed. An alcohol-based liquid then dries out the area and it must remain completely dry. The sealant is placed and guided through all the caverns, pits, fissures, and grooves. It is then cured with a special light, which makes it a hard, plastic-like material.

Sealants can last for several years. It is wise to have them examined on a semi-annual basis. If there is a break in the sealant, a high risk for decay is common. If a sealant is damaged, repair is simple, painless, and quick to complete.

Who can benefit from sealants? Anyone! Children often receive sealants as routine preventive care. Adults with deep canyons with stained grooves on their teeth can also benefit from a sealant. The process is quick, painless, and does not require any anesthesia. It is an effective way to lower dental restorative costs.

An investment in dental sealants can reap great benefits as properly cared for teeth will remain cavity free. Our San Diego, CA location is available to answer your questions so give us a call today!

[caption id="attachment_89" align="alignleft" width="300"] Start Your Child’s School Year with a Smile![/caption]

Did you know that the state of California has made it a requirement to have every child get an oral health assessment completed by a dentist before enrolling in the first year of public school*? To make this as easy as possible on you and your family, Dr. Allen Job and the All Smiles Pediatric Dentistry team will complete your child’s oral health assessment form during the checkup appointment! No need to come back to our San Diego, CA office to pick up the form on another day!

During the checkup appointment, your child will be introduced to healthy techniques and choices to prevent dental decay (cavities). This includes brushing techniques and dietary recommendations. If this is your child’s first dental visit, it will allow him or her to get comfortable with having a checkup and teeth cleaning done on a regular basis. Starting your child early with a dental checkup gives him or her a fighting chance to prevent dental decay.

The deadline for San Diego, CA was May 31, 2015 for new enrollment into public school for the 2015-2016 school year. This deadline has passed; however, numerous children still need to get this form completed. A child cannot enrolled in his/her first year of public school without this form. We recommend calling our San Diego, CA dental office to schedule a new-patient appointment for your child as soon as possible.

*This oral assessment form is a requirement by California law (Education Code Section 49452.8) which states that a child must have a dental checkup by May 31 of his/her first year in public school. If your child is attending a Head Start program or private school, please check with your child’s school to see if they require an oral health assessment.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="213"] Can my child really avoid tooth decay?[/caption]

Great question! Yes, in fact, tooth decay is preventable! Decay, which is caused by sugars left in your child’s mouth, can turn into an acid, which in turn can break down his or her teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason: many children and adolescents tend to be lax in their oral hygiene habits.

So, how can your child prevent tooth decay?

• Start early. After the age of two, brush your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. And, if possible, clean between the teeth with dental floss at least once a day, preferably before they go to bed.
• Don’t allow your little ones to eat after cleaning teeth at bedtime, as salivary flow decreases while they sleep and their teeth become vulnerable to cavities.
• Do not allow your little ones to nibble food or sip drinks continuously, and keep in mind that a low-sugar diet also helps keep tooth decay at bay. Allow time between meals for saliva to neutralize acids and repair the teeth.
• Drinking water frequently throughout the day can also reduce the possibility of new cavities forming.
• Dental sealants can also protect your children’s teeth from cavities. Sealants, which are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars, act as a shield between the tooth and harmful bacteria.

Finally, make sure your child visits All Smiles Pediatric Dentistry approximately every six months for a checkup and routine cleaning! Please give us a call at our San Diego, CA office.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500"] How can I protect my child's teeth during sports?[/caption]

Sports are great for children for a variety of reasons. Children can develop their motor skills, learn how to solve conflicts and work together, and develop their work ethics. As a parent, you may recognize the benefits of sports, but also naturally worry about your child’s health and safety. Your job goes beyond providing a water bottle and making sure your child follows the rules of the game.

Although you may not think of your child’s teeth first when you think about sports, accidents can happen that affect your children’s teeth. A stray hockey stick, an errant basketball, or a misguided dive after a volleyball are examples of ways a child could lose a tooth. In fact, studies show that young athletes lose more than three million teeth each year.

Becoming a Better Athlete to Protect Teeth

Becoming a better athlete involves refining skills, learning the rules of the game, and being a good sport. These components are not just about winning. They are also about safety. Young athletes who are better ball-handlers and who are careful to avoid fouls and penalties are less likely to have harmful contact with the ball, teammates, or opponents. Children who are better roller-bladers are less likely to take a face plant into the blacktop, and more likely to save their teeth. Being a good sport and avoiding unnecessary contact is one way to protect teeth.

Proper Protective Equipment for Teeth

If your child is in a sport that poses a high threat to teeth, it is essential for your child to wear a mouthguard. Mouthguards fit your child’s mouth and consist of soft plastic. Dr. Allen Job can custom fit a mouthguard if generic ones are uncomfortable. While children may resist wearing a mouthguard initially, your persistence in insisting that they wear it should be enough to convince them. A helmet or face mask provides additional protection.

While prevention is best, rapid treatment can improve the situation if your child does happen to lose a tooth during sports. Rapid implantation can work in about ten percent of cases. To learn about ways to save a lost tooth, contact our San Diego, CA office.