What are dental sealants?

CHILDREN’S DENTIST IN EAGAN DISCUSSES DENTAL SEALANTS

If you have children, it’s a great time to think about using sealants on their teeth. This easy solution goes a long way to giving your kid a healthy mouth. Many people don’t know what sealants are, so let’s take a closer look at this amazing innovation.

Sealants Protect the Teeth

Sealants protect your children from getting cavities in their teeth. They aren’t a substitute for flossing and brushing but are great to use in conjunction with proper oral hygiene.

The sealant is a thin coating that protects teeth. It’s made from plastic or sometimes other materials and applied by the dentist. Normally, they go on the back teeth, otherwise known as the molars, just on the chewing surface.

Once sealants are on the teeth, they keep the tooth from coming in contact with any cavity-causing debris or bacteria. They also keep food from getting into the tiny crannies of the tooth where it’s hard to brush.

This prevents your child from ending up with small spots of decay which quickly grow into full-blown decay.

When Should They be Applied?

It’s estimated that sealants protect from decay up to 80% of the time. That’s a pretty significant level of security and well worth the small cost. The best time to apply sealants is right after your child gets their permanent molars. This normally occurs around the age of six and then again around twelve.

Most of the time, they last for years, so it’s wise to get them put on right away and then again in the future. At each checkup, the dentist ensures they are still holding strong and protecting the teeth.

This small step goes a long way to keeping your child from having cavities. It’s the best way to help them reach adulthood with a beautiful white and healthy smile. One day, they’ll thank you.