Parents often report to us their concerns about whether or not to care for deciduous (baby) teeth since they will then be replaced by permanent teeth from the child’s age of six. In reality, baby teeth should be preserved as much as possible! These act as a guide for the proper placement of the permanent teeth and serve to maintain space in the arch to prevent future crowding of the permanents.

Tooth fissure sealing is a key preventive procedure to reduce the risk of tooth decay in children, particularly in their first permanent teeth, such as their first molars (which generally erupt around age 6). This technique involves applying a special resin to the chewing surfaces of the teeth, which closes the small natural grooves where cavities can easily occur.

The good news is that sealing does not require anesthesia or cause pain, making it a simple and safe option. The recommended age for performing this procedure varies depending on when molars emerge. Typically, it is recommended to seal first molars around age 6 and second molars around age 11-13.

Importantly, sealing is recommended as part of primary prevention, particularly for permanent sixths. At age six, children do not yet have the manual dexterity to effectively clean the grooves, so sealing becomes crucial to prevent caries formation. However, it is crucial to accompany this procedure with proper daily brushing to achieve the best results in dental health.

In conclusion, groove sealing is a preventive measure that can make a difference in children’s oral health by helping them maintain healthy and strong teeth over time.

Oral hygiene care in babies begins even before the first baby tooth appears. Mothers can start by cleaning the baby’s gums with moist gauze, thus setting the stage for proper hygiene. When the first baby teeth emerge, it is important to use appropriate toothbrushes recommended by the dentist or hygienist, initially with parental assistance and later independently. The first visit to the dentist should be between the ages of 2 and 3 years, to check the eruption of baby teeth.

At Anestident Specialized Dentistry, we offer key information on preserving children’s oral health from their earliest months of life. We discuss the importance of fluoroprophylaxis, the benefits of breastfeeding, how to correct bad habits, food hygiene, and sealants. This information helps moms understand how to keep one of the most valuable assets healthy: their children’s mouths.

Establishing good oral hygiene habits from an early age is crucial to ensuring healthy teeth throughout life. It is essential not to wait for a visit to the dentist just in case of tooth decay or trauma; bringing children to the office before age 3-4 allows them to become familiar with the environment, develop trust in the practitioners, and allow the dentist to detect any problems early. The operators’ playful and positive approach helps create a peaceful experience, thus encouraging healthy habits.