At our practice, one component of our dental services for children is applying sealants.
Despite your best efforts to make sure that your kids brush their teeth twice every day and floss once, you can’t be watching over them all the time. Tooth decay can develop in those whose dental hygiene is inadequate – and it may even form in those who follow a very good oral hygiene routine.
Sealants Help Protect Teeth from Decay
Dental sealants are an effective and simple solution to the problem of tooth decay in children.
While brushing and flossing remove food, acids and plaque from most of the teeth’s smooth surfaces, they are unable to access hidden recesses, pits and grooves. A sealant protects vulnerable areas of the teeth by filling in these areas, making it easier to clean the teeth and maintain good oral health.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry reports that dental sealants reduce cavities by 86% during the first year after being applied.
Applying Sealants – A Quick and Painless Procedure
A sealant is a thin, plastic coating. The sealant is painted on those surfaces involved in chewing food – most often the molars and pre-molars. The plastic substance bonds to the teeth and forms a shield to protect the enamel.
We apply sealants to children between the ages of 6 and 14, when their permanent molars and pre-molars have come in.
Applying a dental sealant is an easy process:
- After the teeth are cleaned, each tooth is carefully dried.
- An absorbent material keeps the tooth dry.
- We apply an acid solution to the chewing surfaces to make them rough to help the sealant bond.
- After the teeth are rinsed and again dried, we paint the sealant right onto the tooth enamel. We may use a curing light to help the sealant harden properly.
When your child comes in for a semi-annual cleaning and exam, we will check the sealant application for any signs of chipping or excess wear to make sure that it is doing its job.
Ask us if a dental sealant can help your child’s dental health!
Let Us Know If You Have Questions on Any Aspect of Oral Health Care
Dr. Lorraine Burio of Candlewood Dental Care has been treating and educating patients for over twenty-five years. Our office serves the New Fairfield, New Milford, Danbury, and Sherman areas of CT and Pawling, Patterson and Putnam Lake of New York. You can call us at 203-746-1200 or make an appointment here.