Protect Your Child’s Smile with Dental Sealants
Even with great oral hygiene, some areas in your child’s mouth are hard to reach, making plaque and decay a concern. That’s where dental sealants come in!
This quick, painless, and noninvasive treatment helps prevent cavities in vulnerable areas. Dental sealants offer several benefits:
- Are made of a tooth-colored coating that’s simply painted on
- Seal deep grooves from harmful bacteria
- Act as a barrier to protect tooth enamel
- Last several years under the force of normal chewing
The Importance of Dental Sealants
Brushing alone isn’t always enough, especially for those hard-to-reach areas in your child’s mouth. Tiny cracks and grooves in teeth can trap plaque and lead to decay. Dental sealants provide an extra layer of protection to help prevent cavities.
Sealants are plastic resins that bond to the deep grooves of teeth, creating a smooth surface that’s less likely to collect plaque. This makes brushing more effective in preventing tooth decay.
Typically applied after permanent teeth erupt, sealants serve as a preventive measure. While they are more common for permanent teeth, each child’s needs are different, and the dentist may recommend them on a case-by-case basis.
Sealants usually last three to five years, but some can remain intact into adulthood. Since they only work when fully in place, if your child’s sealants wear off, contact your dentist to have them reapplied.
