Everyone wants their child to have a healthy smile, but with all the candy and soda offered to kids these days, it’s important to give them all the protection they can get. While brushing and flossing are a crucial part of preventing tooth decay and gum disease, it can be hard for a child’s inexperienced hands to get into all the nooks and crannies in their smile. Molars can be especially difficult because they have deep pits in which bacteria and food debris can hide.

Luckily, your family dentist can treat your child’s teeth with a dental sealant to help protect them from the nasty things that might do them harm. A sealant is a thin protective coating that covers the chewing surfaces of the molars, and it can be an effective way to prevent cavities and decay. Here are a few common questions about dental sealants along with their answers.

Every parent understands the challenge of convincing a child to do anything, let alone go to the dentist. Dental anxiety is fairly common among children, especially if they’ve never been to the dentist before. If you’re struggling to help your little one overcome their fear, try books! Reading stories about other kids (or bears) going to the dentist can help lower their stress.

If you want a few examples of great children’s books to help you prime your kiddo for their dental visit, continue reading.