Teeth Sealing

Perhaps you have noticed the deep fissures and grooves in your child’s teeth. These fissures and grooves help break down food for digestion when your child is chewing. The problem is that they are also a place where bacteria can hide and tiny particles of food can collect causing cavities to form. Regular pediatric dental care certainly helps to keep cavities from developing, but even that is not a fail-safe protection for some kids.

Teeth sealants provide the best protection. When you choose to have your child’s teeth sealed, your dentist will apply a thin coating of plastic over the grooves and fissures. This is usually done on the back teeth. Molars and pre-molars are notorious for having deep grooves and fissures and this is often where most cavities begin.

Protect Your Child from Cavities with Teeth Sealants

The sealant flows into the depressions and grooves providing protection from decay. First the teeth are thoroughly cleaned and examined to ensure that no problems have started. Once the dentist is satisfied that the teeth are in good shape, the sealant is applied to each tooth that needs it.

Your child must still brush and floss diligently, not every surface on the tooth is sealed therefore cavities can still develop on other parts of the tooth. Most kids are prone to cavities between the ages of 6 to 14. Sealants will protect the molars and pre-molars from developing decay. Some toddlers and preschoolers may also be good candidates for sealants. Besides bushing appropriately and regular flossing, sealants are a great way to protect your child from cavities.

Sealing the teeth is a painless process that the dentist or hygienist does in a few minutes. After cleaning and drying the teeth to be sealed, the area is isolated with gauze or cotton rolls. A special material is applied to the teeth to make it easy for the sealant to bond with the tooth. Next the teeth are rinsed and dried again and the actual sealant is painted on the tooth. In some instances a special light is used to help the sealant harden.

Contact our office today to schedule an appointment to help prevent tooth decay in your child or children.