Dental sealants have become a staple of great oral care in children’s dentistry in the past few decades. But for parents who never experienced this treatment, some might not know the necessity of having this step of care done for their child. Here is what you need to know about sealants, and how they can provide the first line of defense against cavities and other ailments in your child’s oral health!
A dental sealant is basically a cover for the pits and fishers in your child’s teeth. Sealants are typically used on the molars in the back, because toothbrushes tend not to reach the grooves of those teeth well enough to sufficiently clean them. As kids are notorious for bad brushing, sealants are their best defense against cavity formation and other issues, especially for those kiddos who are prone to cavities and decay because of genetics.
To apply dental sealants, your dental hygienist will polish your child’s teeth to remove any plaque or food debris from the surface of the tooth. From there, the hygienist will dry the tooth and then apply The dental sealant to the tooth with a brush, and use a self-curing light to bond the sealant to the surface of the tooth. From there, your dentist will evaluate and check the bond of the sealant, and as soon as the material is hardened, the sealant is good to go. This quick and simple procedure can protect the teeth for up to 10 years, with regular dental check ups to ensure they stay in tip-top shape. Easy, right?
Not only are sealants vital to protecting your children’s teeth, they’re pretty inexpensive in comparison to dental procedure fees for root canals, cavity repair, or other treatments needed for decay.
Looking to speak to a dentist about sealants, or other oral care necessities for your children? Give Dental Center of Mesa a call today at (480) 834-9001!