What Foods Should Your Child Avoid After A Dental Sealant Treatment?

What Foods Should Your Child Avoid After A Dental Sealant Treatment?

December 6, 2022

If your child is between 6-12 years, then the permanent back molar teeth are likely to have erupted. The molar teeth have pits and crevices that may be hard to floss or brush thoroughly. However, your child’s dental practitioner may recommend your kid to have dental sealants to safeguard the teeth from plaque, food debris, and accumulation of bacteria that leads to decay. Kids Dental Sealants in Greeley, CO, are a viable preventive option for safeguarding your child’s teeth from cavities and plaque.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are prosthetics applied on the chewing surfaces of the molar teeth to safeguard your teeth from plaque and acid, which eventually results in cavities. The placement of fissure sealants is simple and non-invasive, and they can serve you for 2-5 years, depending on how well you preserve them.

Cavity sealants are effective in safeguarding your child’s teeth, and you need to schedule periodic appointments with the pediatric dentist for checkups to ensure they are in good condition. It’s important to ensure your child follows a proper oral hygiene regimen to safeguard the primary teeth before developing permanent teeth.

Why Your Child Should Have Dental Sealants

Your kid is an ideal candidate for dental sealants. The best dental sealant treatment near you may recommend your child to have dental sealants at a tender age and prevent decay from deterioration at the early stages. The pediatric dentist near you may recommend your child to have sealants once the first molar erupts.

Sealants for teeth are crucial since they preserve the primary teeth that hold the space for the development of permanent teeth. As the child’s premolar and molar teeth develop, they are at a higher risk of decay. Kids Dental Sealants in Greeley, CO, protect the molar and premolar teeth grooves from cavities.

Fissure sealants protect the child’s teeth from sensitivity and enamel erosion. In addition, they prevent food particles from being trapped between teeth or grooves.

Sealants ensure that the permanent teeth develop in healthy space and no alterations occur, ensuring all teeth are properly aligned.

How to Take Care of Dental Sealants

Despite being made of plastic material, dental sealants should be properly maintained to prevent fall-off and damage. The pediatric preventive dentistry near you may provide various precautionary tips for safeguarding your child’s dental sealants. Long-lasting fissure sealants are effective in preventing your child’s teeth from cavities. You can ensure your child follows the following dental hygiene practices to preserve cavity sealants:

  • Use soft-bristled toothbrushes and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid damaging the sealants.
  • Brush the teeth surfaces thoroughly to ensure that the teeth that haven’t been sealed are protected from plaque and decay.
  • Make periodic visits to the pediatric dentist for checkups.

However, tartar buildup near the gum line can lead to gum disease even with dental sealants, and there’s a need to undergo other dental procedures.

Foods to Avoid After Placement of Dental Sealants

Your child might feel discomfort once the sealant is placed, but with time, the appliance takes the shape of the tooth. Fissure sealants do not interfere with dental functionalities and may not necessitate dietary restrictions. However, while undergoing the best dental sealant treatment near you, your child’s pediatric dentist may recommend your child avoid certain food types, including:

  • Hard foods- the sealants can easily become chipped or broken if your child bites n hard foods. Hard candies, ice, and jawbreakers can cause sealants to fall off.
  • Sugary, Sticky, and Chewy foods-gummies, caramel, and other chewy or sticky foods may cause your child’s dental sealants to pull off.

If your child avoids these foods, the sealants for teeth will last longer and protect the teeth from severe decay, infections, and cavities.

At Toothtown of Greeley, we understand that caring for your little one’s dental health can be quite complex. Our specialists provide comprehensive pediatric care for your child and ensure their teeth are safeguarded from decay. We recommend dental sealants for your child to prevent decay and tooth deterioration. If your child has developed the first back teeth, we are here to help. Please visit our pediatric preventive dentistry and seek consultation for your child today!

FAQ's

What are dental sealants, and why are they used?

Dental sealants are a protective coating put on the chewing surfaces of molars to help stop cavities by keeping out plaque and food particles. They’re especially helpful for children’s teeth with deep grooves that are hard to clean.

Can my child eat normally right after getting sealants?

Yes, most kids can eat normally, but dentists often recommend a soft diet for the remainder of the day so the sealant material can fully harden and bond.

What foods should my child avoid immediately after sealant placement?

Right after treatment, it’s best to avoid sticky, chewy, hard, or crunchy foods that could pull off or damage the new sealants.

Why are sticky and chewy foods a problem?

Sticky or chewy foods like gummies, caramel, or taffy can cling to the sealant and pull it off the tooth surface, reducing its protective benefit.

Are hard and crunchy foods unsafe after sealants?

Yes, hard candies, popcorn kernels, nuts, or ice cubes can chip or crack the sealant material and should be limited, especially for the first day or so.

Should my child avoid sugary and acidic drinks?

While sealants help protect against decay, sugary and beverages that are acidic, such as soda or fruit juice, can damage them. It can still harm enamel and should be minimized to support overall oral health.

How long do the diet precautions last?

Many dentists advise extra caution with sticky, hard, or crunchy foods for at least 24–48 hours after placement to help the sealants fully set.

Can my child chew gum after sealants?

Chewing gum, even sugar-free, can still tug at sealants and isn’t recommended right after placement; your dentist can tell you when it’s safe again.

What are safe food choices after a sealant appointment?

Soft, gentle foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soft fruits, cooked vegetables, and pasta are easy on new sealants and comfortable right after treatment.

Do sealants eliminate the need for regular brushing and flossing?

No. Sealants protect chewing surfaces but don’t replace daily brushing and flossing, which are essential for preventing decay in other tooth areas.

Our pediatric dentistry office in Greeley, CO proudly serves the infants, kids, and teens from our community and nearby areas

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