Promoting children’s oral health is vital. As parents, we strive to instill proper oral hygiene habits. However, reaching all the teeth, especially the back molars, can be challenging. Enter dental sealants. In this blog post, we’ll explain what dental sealants are and their importance in preventing children’s cavities. Discover how dental sealants benefit your child’s oral health.
What Are Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, clear protective coverings applied to the back teeth, especially molars and premolars. These teeth have grooves and fissures that are hard to clean. Sealants act as a barrier, protecting teeth from cavity-causing bacteria and acids. They effectively prevent cavities, keeping your child’s teeth healthy.
Why Do Children Benefit From Sealants?
Children are still learning oral hygiene techniques and may struggle to clean hard-to-reach areas. Dental sealants provide extra protection, sealing off vulnerable surfaces of molars and premolars. By preventing cavities and staining, sealants maintain tooth integrity as children develop their brushing and flossing skills.
Who Should Get This Treatment?
A pediatric dentist determines if your child is a candidate for sealants through a comprehensive examination. Candidates often include children who have difficulty with effective brushing and flossing, as well as those prone to cavities. If your child already has sealants, they can be replaced easily during routine visits.
The Sealant Procedure
Applying dental sealants is a quick and painless procedure done during a regular dental visit. Here’s what it involves:
- Cleaning and drying teeth: The dentist thoroughly cleans and dries the back teeth.
- Applying the sealant: A clear liquid varnish is carefully brushed onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, flowing into the grooves and pits to create a protective layer.
- Curing the sealant: A special bright light cures and hardens the sealant, ensuring it adheres firmly to the tooth surface.
- Repeating for additional teeth: The process is repeated for other teeth requiring sealant protection.
While dental sealants protect chewing surfaces of back teeth, they don’t shield front teeth or areas between back teeth. Thus, regular brushing and flossing remain crucial for comprehensive oral hygiene.
Choose the Best Option for Your Child!
For any questions about dental sealants or to learn more about their benefits, contact us. At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, our friendly staff is here to provide information and help you make informed decisions about your child’s oral health.
Contact us and schedule an appointment or discuss your concerns about your child’s dental care. Together, we can help your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile for life.
