Sealants

What are dental sealants?

A sealant is an ultra-thin layer of plastic, or similar dental materials, that adheres to your child’s tooth and protects it from further decay. While regular brushing and flossing are still the best way to protect your child’s teeth from cavities, they cannot reach every small groove. If there is nothing to prevent food particles and debris from penetrating those tiny nooks and crannies, bacteria can become trapped and lead to cavities.

To prevent bacteria and plaque from eating away at your child’s enamel, the My Kidz Dentist team recommends sealants to protect teeth, particularly molars, which are in danger of developing cavities.

Why would my child need sealants?

Dental sealants have been known to reduce tooth decay in molars by up to 80%, making them extremely effective in preventing cavities in hard-to-clean teeth. If your child is at risk of developing a cavity, a sealant can keep their tooth healthy and strong throughout childhood.

Sealants are most often applied to permanent molars or premolars, but they are also used to protect baby teeth from decay. Baby teeth provide the correct spacing for permanent teeth, so it’s important to keep them as healthy as possible during childhood.

How is a dental sealant applied?

The sealant process is quick, painless, and requires very little preparation. First, your child’s dentist thoroughly cleans the affected tooth before drying it with a soft absorbent material. Next, a solution coats the tooth to gently roughen it, making it easier for the sealant to bond to the tooth.

Your child’s teeth are then rinsed and dried again before the sealant is gently painted onto the tooth. While sealants typically harden instantly, a special curing light is sometimes used to speed up the process.

Sealants are extremely thin and clear, so you can’t see them when your child smiles. Because they are clear, the My Kidz Dentist team can keep an eye on any future tooth decay and stop it from spreading early on.

Dental sealants protect your child’s teeth from damage and decay when combined with regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings. To learn more about preventing cavities, call My Kidz Dentist or book an appointment online today.