Protect Your Kid’s Smile With Sealants

Posted December 22, 2021

As a parent, you understand the importance of protecting your little one’s teeth. This is why you make sure they brush their teeth twice a day and gently floss each night. It is also why you bring them in every six months for a checkup and cleaning. Another tool in your arsenal, that not everyone is aware of, is a dental sealant. If this is a new term to you, do not worry, because in today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist discusses what they are and the fantastic benefits they offer.

What Are Dental Sealants, And What Do They Do?

Sealants are thin films that go over your child’s molars. They are thin coatings, made from a biocompatible material, that goes onto their teeth as a liquid gel. They add a layer of protection to their back teeth. They go on the molars because that is where most chewing is done — and can be more difficult for children to brush. Once they have been applied, the sealants serve as a barrier between their teeth and food particles. Consequently, this prevents bacteria from settling into their teeth, which ultimately prevents decay. According to the American Dental Association, they can reduce the risk of this decay by up to 80%. With this in mind, they are a great way to ensure your child’s teeth are protected.

How We Apply Them

Their application is non-intrusive and painless, which makes them an ideal preventative measure for little smiles. When applying them, your dentist first cleans their teeth thoroughly. Next, they apply a slightly acidic gel, which alters the surface of your teeth, which helps the coating stick to them more effectively. From there, your child’s dentist carefully removes the gel and places the sealant. Finally, they harden it with a special light. Once there, the sealants provide protection for between five and ten years. It is advisable to provide them to children once their second molars come in. 

Preventive Care Is Crucial For Oral Health

This coating on your kid’s teeth is so effective because it prevents larger issues from developing. This is the crux of preventative care in general — one of the most important parts of good oral health. Brushing one’s teeth twice a day and flossing each night helps plaque from building up and calcifying, which minimizes the chances for cavities and gingivitis to develop. Likewise, regularly scheduled cleanings and checkups allow a highly-skilled professional to use specialized tools to remove food particles and bacteria that brushing simply can’t reach. Additionally, checkups allow a dentist to make sure no serious issues are developing. Catching oral problems early is key to preventing larger issues from rearing their heads. 

Contact Us To Learn More About Dental Sealants 

If you have more questions about this helpful tool or about preventative care in general, do not hesitate to reach out. We know your child’s smile is important to you, and we are here to help keep it in the healthiest condition. Set up an appointment with us by contacting your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.