A dental sealant is a thin plastic film painted on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars (the teeth directly in front of the molars). Sealants have been shown to be highly effective in the prevention of cavities. sealants are 100 percent effective in protecting the tooth surfaces from caries. Sealants should last five years, but can last as long as 10 years.

You may be concerned about your child’s thumbsucking and wonder if it is harmful, at what age your child should stop, or what could happen if your child doesn’t stop.
After the permanent teeth come in, sucking may cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth. It can also cause changes in the roof of the mouth. The intensity of the sucking is a factor that determines whether or not dental problems may result.

Some aggressive thumb suckers may cause problems with their baby (primary) teeth. If you notice changes in your child’s primary teeth, consult your dentist.
Children should have ceased sucking by the time the permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. Usually children stop between the ages of two and four years. Pacifiers can affect the teeth essentially the same ways as sucking fingers and thumbs.

• Praise children for not sucking, instead of scolding them when they are.
• Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure or needing comfort. Focus on correcting the cause of the anxiety and provide comfort to your child.
• For an older child, involve him or her in choosing the method of stopping.
• If the above tips don’t work, remind the child of their habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock on the hand at night. Your dentist or pediatrician may prescribe a bitter medication to coat the thumb or the use of a mouth appliance.

Although newborns usually have no visible teeth, most have at least a partially developed set of primary (baby) teeth, which begin to appear as early as six months after birth. During the first few years of life, all 20 of the primary teeth will erupt through the gums. Most children have their full set of primary teeth in place by age three.

• As their teeth erupt, some babies may become fussy, sleepless and irritable, lose their appetite or drool more than usual. Diarrhea, rashes and a fever are not normal for a teething baby. If your infant has a fever or diarrhea while teething or continues to be cranky and uncomfortable, call your physician.
• As a tooth erupts an eruption cyst may develop. The tooth will eventually rupture this watery sac as it pushes through the gums. Eruption cysts are usually harmless and should be left alone.
• Some babies may have sore or tender gums when teeth begin to erupt. Gently rubbing your child’s gum with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon or a wet gauze pad can be soothing. A clean teething ring for your child to chew on may also help. Your dentist or pediatrician may recommend a pacifier, teething ring or a special “numbing” salve for the gums.
• When the teeth begin to erupt, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a little bit of water to prevent tooth decay. Toothpaste is not recommended until a child reaches age two. At that time, supervise brushing to ensure that your child does not swallow the toothpaste.
• After your child's first tooth appears, but no later than the first birthday, begin regular dental check-ups for “smile” insurance.