Protect Your Kids’ Teeth with Dental Sealants

Of course, as a parent, you want your kids to enjoy great health. This includes oral health as well. You’re probably teaching and practicing good oral care habits like proper brushing and flossing every day and watching what your child eats to avoid an excessive amount of sugar. If you want to give them a boost in keeping their teeth healthy, dental sealants can help.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are a thin plastic covering that is applied onto the teeth surfaces, usually the back molars, as these have grooves that are especially tricky to clean. They act as a shield for the teeth, protecting them from plaque and food debris that can cause cavities.

How are sealants applied?

Dental sealants are painted onto the teeth. After being thoroughly cleaned, rinsed, and dried, the teeth are etched using a mildly acidic solution to help the sealants bond better to the surface. The sealants are applied and cured using a special light. Once they have hardened, the sealants will have formed into a dental-grade plastic that fills in the grooves where food particles tend to get trapped and cause decay.

How long will sealants last?

With proper oral hygiene, dental sealants can be expected to last for several years before they need reapplication. Your dentist will monitor the condition of the sealants during each checkup.

Keep in mind that dental sealants are not a free pass for skipping good oral care habits. Both the treated teeth and untreated teeth still need to be cleaned regularly to prevent cavities, decay, and gum disease. Regular dental visits must also be kept so that the sealants, along with the rest of the teeth, can be examined.

If you are considering getting dental sealants applied, contact our office today.