Dental Sealants: Protecting Your Child's Teeth from Cavities
As a parent, you want to do everything possible to help your child avoid cavities and keep their smile healthy. Brushing and flossing are the foundation of good oral hygiene, but did you know there’s another tool that can provide extra protection for your child’s teeth? Dental sealants are a simple, painless solution designed to help prevent tooth decay.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where cavities are most likely to form. These molars and premolars have grooves and pits that can easily trap food particles and bacteria, making them difficult to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush alone. Sealants act as a barrier, “sealing out” plaque and food, and dramatically lowering the risk of cavities in these vulnerable areas.
Why Are Sealants Important for Kids?
Children are particularly prone to cavities for several reasons. Their brushing and flossing skills are still developing, and their diets may include more cavity-causing snacks and drinks. Molars usually emerge around ages 6 and 12, making them especially susceptible to decay during these years. Applying sealants soon after these teeth come in gives them the best chance of staying cavity-free.
What to Expect During the Dental Sealant Process
The process of getting dental sealants is quick, easy, and completely painless. Here’s what your child can expect:
Cleaning: The dentist will start by thoroughly cleaning and drying the teeth that will receive the sealant.
Preparation: A special solution is applied to help the sealant bond to the tooth surface.
Application: The sealant material is carefully painted onto the tooth, where it flows into the grooves.
Curing: A special light is used to harden the sealant, ensuring it forms a strong, protective layer.
The entire appointment typically takes only a few minutes per tooth, and no drilling or anesthesia is needed.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Sealants can protect your child’s teeth for several years but should be checked regularly during routine dental visits. If necessary, your dentist can repair or reapply sealants to ensure continued protection.
A Smart Investment in Your Child’s Smile
Cavities can lead to discomfort, missed school days, and costly dental treatments. Sealants are a smart, affordable way to protect your child’s teeth and reduce the likelihood of decay, giving them a healthy start for lifelong oral health.
Ready to give your child extra protection against cavities? Contact Glacier Dental to schedule a dental exam and discuss dental sealants at your child’s next cleaning. Visit our office in Tudor or Bragaw, located in Anchorage, Alaska, or call (907) 222-6000 to book an appointment today.
Powered by: 