Dental Sealants
When it comes to children’s teeth, prevention is the best strategy in averting pain, cost, and complication resulting from tooth decay. Decay destroys children’s’ teeth, and dental drilling and filling cause additional loss of tooth structure as an after-the-fact solution. For this reason, our team of professionals recommends a proactive, preventative strategy centered on dental sealants and the conjunctive use of time-proven strategies to prevent tooth decay in your children. Dental sealants consist of thin coatings of plastic that the dentist applies to the molars in the back of the mouth. The tops of molars consist of a series of pits and fissures to form effective chewing surfaces. They also form effective breeding grounds for bacteria. Dental sealants create barriers that prevent bacteria from breeding and forming cavities. Dental sealants are a simple, cost-effective preventative strategy that will save time and money for parents and painful discomfort for their children.
Dentists apply dental sealants at two key stages in a child’s development. The first stage occurs at approximately six years of age, when the first group of permanent molars emerges into a child’s mouth. When applied at this time, dental sealants provide the best prevention possible to avert tooth decay before it sets in. Unfortunately, so few parents are aware of this fact and end up having to bring their children in for their first cavity filling- an experience that to date no child has ever enjoyed. For those who do engage the situation proactively, we strongly recommend administering a second application of dental sealants at approximately twelve years of age, when the second and last set of permanent molars emerges into the mouth. Applying dental sealants to these teeth protects the fissures and pits in the chewing surfaces and prevents cavity formation during later teen years.
Many people are surprised to learn that dental sealants are among the easiest and most painless methods of treatment in modern dentistry. The process consists of only three quick, simple steps. First, the dentist uses special toothpaste to clean the teeth. Next, the dentist or hygienist applies a special cleaning solution to the tooth surface as an extra sterilization measure. Third and finally, the dentist paints the solution onto the tooth surface. It takes about one minute total time to harden.
In addition to the quick, painless benefit offered by dental sealants, this treatment also carries with it cosmetic value. Because the dentist applies the solution to the back teeth only, they are only visible to the closest of inspections. Children may feel them if they deliberately feel for them with their tongues, but otherwise, dental sealants are unobtrusive to chewing and provide no discomfort to the mouth. They can last for five to ten years, and when used in conjunction with regular brushing, flossing, and fluoride mouthwash, provide a comprehensive preventative treatment plan for your child’s formative years.
To learn more about the benefits that dental sealants offer your family, call our office at 888.790.0309 or feel free to Ask the Dentist.
