The Advantages of Dental Sealants

Are you worried about your children’s teeth?  Does your child have deep grooves in their molars? For some children brushing and flossing simply isn’t enough to keep cavities away. If your child is cavity prone you may want to consider protecting your child’s teeth with dental sealants.  Tooth decay in children and teenagers usually occurs on the chewing surface of the molars and back teeth.  To help prevent tooth decay your dentist may recommend dental sealants.

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to and cover the surface of the rear teeth, creating a protective cover over the grooves and cracks of the tooth surface.  This cover keeps germs and food particles from settling in the grooves on top teeth where bacteria get trapped.  Deep grooves in rear molars can be difficult to clean, and when food settles in, decay is eminent.

Most dentists will agree that permanent molars are the teeth that benefit the most from receiving dental sealants.  As a parent, if you want to help prevent cavities in your child’s baby teeth, sealants are a good idea.  Sealants are simple for children to receive and virtually pain free.  If your child has dental anxiety or is afraid to receive fillings, sealants can help.  Teeth remain totally intact with dental sealants. To apply dental sealants, your dentist will make sure the teeth are clean and dry.  Sealants are painted on the tooth and hardened with a light.  Sealants can last on most teeth from 5 to 10 years.  Ask your dentist today about dental sealants to help protect your child’s oral health.