PEDIATRIC DENTAL SEALANTS
Mesa, AZ
Debra H.
Brushing alone may not always be sufficient, especially when it comes to cleaning those hard-to-reach areas in your child’s mouth. A toothbrush can struggle to clean the tiny cracks and grooves on teeth, which can lead to tooth decay if not properly addressed. Dental sealants offer an additional layer of protection against decay and help prevent cavities.
Dental sealants are made from plastic resins that bond and harden within the deep grooves on the surfaces of the teeth. Once a tooth is sealed, the tiny grooves become smooth, making it less likely for plaque to accumulate. This enhances the effectiveness of brushing in fighting tooth decay.
Sealants are typically applied to children’s teeth after their permanent teeth have erupted, serving as a preventive measure against tooth decay. While sealing permanent teeth is more common, dentists may recommend sealants for baby teeth based on individual patient needs.
Generally, sealants last between three to five years, but it’s not uncommon for adults to retain sealants from childhood. It’s essential to remember that sealants provide protection only when they remain intact. If your child’s sealants come off, be sure to inform the dentist and schedule an appointment for reapplication.
