What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of your back teeth, particularly molars and premolars. This protective barrier helps prevent food particles and bacteria from getting trapped in the tiny grooves and pits of your teeth, significantly reducing the risk of cavities.
Why Choose Dental Sealants?
- Effective Cavity Prevention: Sealants have been proven to reduce the occurrence of cavities by up to 80% over two years and 50% over four years.
- Long-Lasting Protection: With proper oral hygiene, sealants can last up to nine years, providing continuous defense against decay.
- Ideal for Children: Children without sealants are three times more likely to develop cavities. Applying sealants to baby teeth helps protect them and maintain space for incoming permanent teeth.
- Quick and Painless Application: The sealant material is painted onto the tooth surface and hardens within a minute, often without the need for anesthesia.
The Dental Sealant Procedure
- Tooth Examination: Your dentist will examine your teeth to identify areas susceptible to decay.
- Cleaning: The tooth surface is cleaned to remove plaque and debris.
- Etching: A mild acid solution is applied to the tooth surface to create a rough texture, allowing the sealant to adhere better.
- Sealant Application: The liquid sealant is painted onto the tooth and cured with a special light, hardening it into a protective barrier.
Why Dental Sealants Matter for Your Child's Oral Health
- Protection Against Decay: Sealants act as a barrier, preventing food particles and bacteria from reaching the vulnerable areas of your child's teeth.
- Easy Maintenance: Regular brushing and flossing, along with periodic dental check-ups, are sufficient to maintain the effectiveness of sealants.
- Painless Procedure: The application of sealants is quick and painless, making it a stress-free experience for your child.
