DENTAL SEALANTS
Extra Protection For Children’s Teeth
Dental sealants are a thin, plastic film that are placed on the chewing surfaces of the premolars and molars. Sealants act as a barrier, protecting the tooth from plague and bacteria. A sealed tooth decreases the chance of developing a cavity, which also means it prevents expensive dental treatments later on. Most importantly, sealants help prevent your child from having pain down the road.
Dental sealants are a thin, plastic film that are placed on the chewing surfaces of the premolars and molars. Sealants act as a barrier, protecting the tooth from plague and bacteria. A sealed tooth decreases the chance of developing a cavity, which also means it prevents expensive dental treatments later on. Most importantly, sealants help prevent your child from having pain down the road.
Dental sealants help protect your child’s teeth from cavities. Studies show that children without sealants are three times more likely to have cavities than those with dental sealants. Sealants are most effective in preventing cavities in the pits and fissures of the molars, which are the teeth at the back of the mouth. These pits and fissures are hard to clean with a toothbrush, so they tend to accumulate plaque and bacteria. The bristles on a toothbrush can’t always reach all the way into these dark crevices. A child’s newly erupted permanent teeth are not as resistant to decay as adult teeth, since the hard enamel coating that protects the teeth changes as it ages to become stronger. This creates the perfect environment for tooth decay.
How Dental Sealants Are Applied
Applying sealants is a quick and painless process. Dr. Kim will clean and dry your child’s tooth before placing an acidic gel on it. This gel slightly roughens the tooth surface so a strong bond will form between the tooth and the sealant. After a few seconds, Dr. Kim will rinse off the gel and dry the tooth before applying the sealant onto the grooves of the tooth. Then, Dr. Kim will use a special blue light to harden the sealant.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a great way to prevent cavities and keep your teeth healthy. They are generally recommended for children, as their teeth are still developing and are more at risk for cavities. However, adults can also benefit from sealants—they are beneficial for everyone.
Your child’s first molars appear around age six, and the second molars break through around age twelve. Sealing these teeth as soon as they come through can keep them cavity-free from the start, which helps save time and money in the long run. Ask Dr. Kim if sealants are a good option for you and your family!
Benefits Of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are an excellent way to keep your child’s teeth healthy, protected and strong. Some of their many benefits include:
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sealants
At Valencia Smiles Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we know that you may have questions about dental sealants for your child. We want you to feel knowledgeable about your child’s dental care with us. Below, we have answered some of your most frequently asked questions about dental sealants.
