Ask the Dentist: Children's Dentistry

» Dental Decay - Cavities

Fluoride has been a great benefit to patients of all ages in helping prevent dental decay. Regular brushing and flossing lowers the chance of developing "cavities."

At Sulfaro Family Dentistry, we know that the most decay-prone areas of teeth are the grooves and depressions on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, which require further preventive care.

To prevent decay, a plastic-like coating called a sealant should be painted on the chewing surfaces of all the back teeth. Studies have shown that sealants can reduce tooth decay by as much as 90% to 100% nation wide.

The American Dental Association recommends, and Sulfaro Family Dentistry agrees, that sealants be placed as soon as the first adult back teeth come in at age 6 or 7. Sealants should continue to be used as each adult back tooth comes into the mouth. All back teeth that need to be sealed are present by age 13. Sealant application is simple, fast, and painless.

Please call Sulfaro Family Dentistry with any questions you may have about the benefits using a sealant in preventing dental decay.

{return to top}

» Mouthguards

While mouth guards are not mandatory equipment in all sports, their worth is indisputable. Mouthguards cushion blows to the face and neck. A mouthguard should be part of every athlete's gear, no matter the sport. Even adults or weekend athletes need to protect their smile and preserve their health.

Do: At Sulfaro Family Dentistry we feel that you should wear a mouthguard at all times when playing sports. Wear a mouthguard custom-fitted by a dentist, especially if you wear bridges or braces.
Don't: Wear removable appliances like retainers when playing sports.

There are two types of mouthguards:
Custom-made: Designed by a dentist and made on a cast of your teeth. These cause very little interference with speaking or breathing. They provide the best protection and fit over braces and fixed bridges. They also cost more.
Ready-made: Purchased at most sporting goods stores. They are the least expensive, the least effective, and least comfortable.

Please call our office at (248) 634-4671 if you would like to wear a comfortable mouthguard and protect your teeth.

{return to top}