Pediatric Dental Sealants

Pediatric Dental Sealants SLC Utah

Pediatric Dental Sealants

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

What are Pediatric Dental Sealants?

Although tons of dental experts emphasize the importance of dental sealants for children, many parents are still unsure what they are or why their child needs this pediatric dental treatment. Today on the blog, Dr. Ari Hobfoll,  pediatric dentist in Salt Lake City, is covering everything you need to know about dental sealants. 

Our dental sealant blog is intended to help you make an informed decision about your child’s oral health, as well as to answer your questions and put your mind at ease.

“At Kaleidoscope Kids Dental, our objective is to educate excellent oral hygiene practices. Additionally, we advocate the use of vital preventative treatments, such as pediatric dental sealants, that will safeguard your child’s smile for years to come.”

Dr. Ari Hobfoll , Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

What Exactly Are Dental Sealants?

Everyone has molars, and on these teeth, each person has “grooves” otherwise known as the cracks and crevices in your teeth. As a child, these are very sensitive to germs and bacteria. Although frequent brushing helps, even the most committed brushers sometimes struggle to clean those grooves correctly.

As follows, dental sealants are a thin coating that is applied to the biting surface of a child’s molars to protect them against decay and cavities. Dental Sealants are a thin white or transparent resin liquid that is placed on the surface of a child’s molars with a little brush. Then, the liquid sealant is bound to the tooth and cured using a blue LED light, leaving a firm coating of protection. This protective layer is non-invasive and does not necessitate the use of numbing medications or anesthesia because it is not uncomfortable. Additionally, it helps reduce your child’s risk of getting a cavity by 80%. 

Pediatric Dental Sealants SLC Utah

What Are Dental Sealants Made Out Of?

So, what exactly are dental sealants made out of? Sealants are constructed of a medical-grade resin and are comparable to composite, or white filling material, which is used when patients have cavities filled. The main distinction of sealant material is its runny nature. When applied to the tooth with a little brush, it readily flows into the micro-grooves and crevices of your child’s teeth. We use a long-lasting material, as dental sealants for children are intended to safeguard your child’s teeth for at least 3-5 years. During your child’s regular dental exams, the dentist will inspect the sealants to verify they are still in place and have not cracked or worn away. If they are damaged, they may be swiftly and simply restored.

Contact Kaleidoscope Kids Dental Today

Interested in dental sealants? This highly sought-after treatment option is a wonderful option to safeguard your child’s smile. We can answer any questions you have about dental sealants. Our SLC Pediatric Dental Office is conveniently located right off of the freeway in Murray, UT.

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Shark Teeth in Children

shark teeth in children

Shark Teeth in Children

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

What you need to know about your kids' shark teeth

We will have two sets of teeth in our lives. Our first set of teeth, our primary teeth (also known as “baby” teeth), begin to erupt as early as one year of age. However, a child’s permanent teeth will begin to emerge after just a few years. Their “adult” teeth can appear as early as your child’s fifth birthday and, if well cared for, will last them their whole life if taught at a young age.

However, it is possible for a permanent tooth to begin erupting while the primary tooth is already present. This is referred to as shark teeth. At Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry, our team is trained to identify shark teeth before they fully grow in. We will keep an eye on shark teeth to see whether they need our help or if they can resolve themselves on their own.

“Shark teeth are perfectly normal and there is no need to be concerned. There re a few treatment options we will look at with you to find the best solution for your child”

Dr. Ari Hobfoll , Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

My Child Has Shark Teeth - Should I Be Concerned?

When your child’s primary teeth begin to fall out, they are understandably excited. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a tooth fairy visit? Of course, if your child does have shark teeth, they may begin to notice. They will be able to see that their permanent teeth are growing in behind their primary teeth.

Shark teeth are relatively rare, but when they do appear, they usually appear around your child’s sixth birthday. Shark teeth can also reappear a few years later as their molars begin to erupt. When a permanent tooth is able to develop in, the tooth root usually dissolves on its own. However, 20% of the time, this isn’t the case. This is when your child will develop their permanent tooth behind their baby tooth. This means that they will need shark teeth treatment.

 

shark teeth in kids salt lake
shark teeth in kids salt lake city utah

Shark Teeth Treatment

Shark teeth, fortunately, are not toxic and do not cause concern. The tooth will also become loose as the permanent tooth emerges. Many kids will get to wiggle their teeth on their own. If they can wiggle it out, the dilemma can be fixed without the need for a Salt Lake Pediatric Dentist to interfere.

If your child is unable to remove the baby tooth on their own, we can recommend extraction. If your kid has one shark tooth, there is a fair risk that he or she will have a second tooth. We may recommend that we keep an eye on and track the growth of your child’s teeth and see if a second shark tooth appears. If it does, and your child is unable to remove one by wiggling them, we may suggest removing them both at the same time. This will make the treatment less stressful for your boy.

If your child will wiggle the tooth out on their own or we have to remove it, the permanent tooth can eventually shift into its correct alignment over time. This will take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Contact Kaleidoscope Kids Dental Today

If your child has shark teeth, it is understandable to be worried. Shark teeth, fortunately, are simple to treat and usually have a positive result. If you want to hear more about shark teeth and how we can treat your child, come see us today! Our SLC Pediatric Dental Office is conveniently located right off of the freeway in Murray, UT.

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Meet Dr. Ari Hobfoll

Meet Dr. Ari Hobfoll

Meet Dr. Ari Hobfoll

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

At Kaleidoscope Kids Dental, Dr. Ari Hobfoll provides top-quality Pediatric Dental care to Murray, Utah families.

Dr. Ari is passionate about Pediatric Dentistry, and it his mission to deliver the best possible care for all types of kiddos.

Dr. Ari chose Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry at his practice name for one simple reason: This world is a Kaleidoscope of people. However, we all love, laugh & hug our children the same way. Dr. Ari wanted to create a safe space for all types of children and families to feel welcome. At Kaleidoscope, we celebrate each child’s differences and similarities, welcoming them to our environment full of love and acceptance. At every appointment, we bring the fun and ease of a gentle, kid’s dentistry paired with the most advanced dental treatments available.

Background and Education

After graduating from Skidmore College with a degree in Molecular Biology, Dr. Ari decided to head to Temple University’s School of Dentistry, where he then completed his Hospital Pediatric Residency.

When asked about why he chose a career in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr Ari explains,

“It chose me. I just kept working in the Pediatric Clinic because it was fun.”

Helping Patients Overcome Their Fears

Dr. Ari’s favorite part about dentistry is helping patients overcome their fears. Dental anxiety is a huge problem with both children and adults, often resulting in patient’s putting off their dental work as a result.

According to a recent study conducted from the Journal of Dental Hygiene, anywhere between 50 and 80% of adults in the United States have some degree of dental anxiety. This can range from moderate to severe, with more than 20% of these individuals avoiding seeing the dentist regularly, and up to 15% avoiding dental care all together.

Dr. Ari wants parents to know that, sometimes, though unintentional, anxiety can be transferred to the child. He explains that, though a lot of people don’t love to see the dentist, it is up to the parent’s to be involved in their child’s dental visits and encourage positive dental habits at home. Your little one learns directly from you!

Personal Life

Dr. Ari loves to instill positive dental habits in his home. He has both a manual and electric toothbrush and switches between them depending on his mood. He loves Crest Bubblegum Sparkle Toothpaste to make brushing a bit more fun. Afterwards, he always uses cinnamon floss, and alcohol-free Listerine Mouthwash.


Outside of dentistry, you can find Dr. Ari hanging out with his family. He is passionate about skiing and playing guitar and supporting environmental causes.

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