Why does my child need dental sealants?

Brushing and flossing are the best ways to prevent cavities, but it's not always possible to reach every area.

Dental health is a high priority and this is an excellent way to prevent cavities and tooth decay for your children. A sealant is a thin coating that is put onto the teeth where decay occurs most often such as the chewing areas of the back of the teeth, known as molars. They protect the chewing surfaces from cavities by covering them with a protective shield that blocks out germs and food. These teeth have deep pits where plaque, bacteria, and bits of food get stuck. This is a hard-to-reach area because the toothbrush bristles cannot reach into them. The sealant material flows into it and acts as a barrier, sealing out debris that causes tooth decay.

The tooth is cleaned to ensure that the material will stick. Then, the sealant is placed onto the molar where the surface bonds the tooth. Lastly, a special light is used over areas of early decay to prevent further damage to your tooth. Your child won't be able to feel the sealant laying on their tooth and it can last several years before needing to be replaced. During regular dental visits, our pediatric dentist can check the condition of the sealants and reapply them as needed. Let's avoid the drill and fill of a cavity gone wild!

Please contact any of our local offices today if you'd like to learn more about how dental sealants can help protect cavities and tooth decay.