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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. Tang of Just 4 Kids 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 Surrey, BC location is available to answer your questions so give us a call today!

At our pediatric dental office, we prefer our patients to practice good oral hygiene between office visits. Part of that process includes flossing, which Dr. Tang will tell you, is the process of cleaning between the teeth to remove food and debris from the areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. When food is allowed to remain between the teeth, it provides a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause periodontal disease.

Should You Floss Before or After Brushing?

According to the American Dental Association, you can floss either before or after brushing, according to your own preference. By flossing first, you can brush away dislodged food debris afterward. On the other hand, brushing first allows you to loosen plaque between the teeth, making it easier to floss more effectively.

Whichever you choose, the most important goal is to floss thoroughly. That means using a fresh strand of dental floss each day, and carefully pulling it back and forth between all of the teeth. Do not skip flossing because your teeth look or feel clean.

When to Floss

Unlike brushing, you need only floss between your teeth once per day. Although you may choose to do it in the morning or afternoon, many prefer to floss at night to prevent food and debris from remaining in the crevices of the teeth overnight. This could prevent the build-up of plaque too, which is a cause of tooth decay.

Help with Flossing

If you have questions about your flossing technique or what type of floss is best for your teeth, contact our office. The staff will be more than happy to assist you in perfecting your home hygiene regimen. In most cases, you can choose between interdental cleaning picks or flexible floss strands to perform your daily flossing routine. If you have permanent oral appliances or restorations, be sure to follow the flossing instructions provided to you, and contact our office with any questions.

Dr. Tang and our team at Just 4 Kids Pediatric Dentistry know one word parents and kids don’t want to hear is "cavity!" But as much as people dread hearing the news that they have a cavity, we thought it would be important to discuss what a cavity is, how people get cavities, and how to avoid them altogether.

A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. Tooth decay can affect both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin (the inner layer of the tooth). It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger. The prevalence of dental decay in the United States in children aged two to five has increased 15.2%, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic, and as it clings to your teeth, the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

While cavities can be repaired, there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities at home:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily.
• Gently brush the gums to keep them healthy. When choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles.
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat and drink.

To learn more about cavity prevention, please give us a call or ask us during your next visit!

The dog days of summer are upon us, and what better time for Dr. Tang and our team to ask our patients about their summer!

Whether you visited our nation’s capital, went on a camping trip or just stayed in Surrey, BC and relaxed, we want to know how you’re all spending your summer! Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us below or on our Facebook page as summer rolls on!