Young children are prone to cavities. While genetics and fluoridated water will play a small role in your child’s risk, their dental hygiene habits are a significant deterrent in preventing tooth decay. Happy Kids Dental provides preventative dental sealants to help protect your child’s permanent teeth.
What Are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is an adhesive material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where cavities often develop. It acts as a barrier to protect the teeth from plaque and bacteria. Sealants are usually made of a plastic material that bonds to the grooves and depressions of a tooth surface.
Ideal Ages for Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are most effective when applied to newly erupted permanent molars, typically between the ages of 6 and 12. If you bring your child in for regular visits with the best pediatric dentists in greater New Bedford, we’ll identify these changes and recommend sealants as needed.
How Are Dental Sealants Applied?
The application process is quick and painless. Your child’s dentist will begin by cleaning and drying the tooth. An acidic gel will then be applied to the tooth in order to prepare the surface for a strong bond with the sealant. The gel is then rinsed away and the tooth is dried a second time. Finally, the sealant is painted into the grooves of the tooth and hardened with a UV light.
Do Dental Sealants Wear Off?
Yes, dental sealants can wear off over time. They are designed to last several years, but they can chip or wear off due to eating hard foods, grinding teeth and normal wear and tear. It is important to have regular check–ups and get the sealants reapplied when necessary. Some adults choose to continue with sealants in order to continue preventing cavities.
