Cavities are a real problem, so naturally, parents want to help their children prevent tooth decay. One of the most trusted preventative measures is sealants. This pearly white molar coating is recommended by pediatric dentists and the ADA. Why are sealants such a positive dental procedure for children? Read below as we answer 6 questions about pediatric dental sealants.
1. WHAT ARE SEALANTS?
Sealants are a smooth, protective coating applied to the grooved surface of molars. Sealants are an important way to prevent tooth decay and cavities caused by food and bacteria.
(See *NOTE below.)
2. WHY ARE SEALANTS RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN?
Take a moment to touch your tongue to the surface of your molars. Feel the grooves? While brushing is a great way to keep molars clean, molar grooves are still susceptible to bacteria from food particles that accumulate in those naturally deep indentations. A sealant’s protective layer fills the deep indentations and prevents food from getting stuck in the tight grooves of your child’s molar. With a sealant, the molar’s rugged surface would be protected with a smooth coating. They are an easy solution for proactively preventing cavities.
3. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SEALANTS?
The ADA (American Dental Association) conducted a study on sealants and discovered that this procedure can prevent risk of cavities by 80%! Both parents and pediatric dentists have witnessed positive results with a reliable way to lessen the risk of cavities - sealants. This safe, quick, and pain-free procedure is effective at creating a protective barrier for teeth. Because it is a non-invasive procedure, there is no need for a drill or numbing needle. Your child can eat and drink without restriction afterwards.
4. HOW ARE SEALANTS APPLIED TO A TOOTH?
The procedure is simple, just like painting a tooth. A thin liquid resin is applied to the surface of the molar with a brush. The medical-grade liquid resin flows into the molar’s deep grooves. And our special light cures the “tooth paint” making a hard protective layer - so that your child’s sealant is ready to protect those vulnerable molar grooves from food and bacteria.
5. HOW LONG DO SEALANTS LAST?
Sealants are designed to last for many years (3-8 years typically). However, the actual durability depends on your child’s oral habits. If your little one is careful with making healthy food choices and maintains regular brushing, the sealant will naturally last longer. Contrastingly, if your child frequently munches hard, sticky candy and neglects regular dental care, the sealant could become damaged. During future routine appointments following your child’s sealant procedure, our Sunshine Team will check each sealant to ensure they are still strong and working as intended. (See *NOTE below.)
6. HOW CAN MY CHILD GET SEALANTS?
First, our dentists and staff at Sunshine Children’s Dentistry would determine whether sealants are an appropriate solution for your child’s unique dental needs. During a routine pediatric dental appointment, we can evaluate your little one’s molars. When properly maintained, sealants can be an effective prevention tool for years to come.
It is our privilege and honor at Sunshine Children’s Dentistry to care for the oral health of your children and help them achieve cavity-free pearly white teeth. Reach out to us to schedule an appointment!
Phone: 910-762-7736
Website: SunshineChildSmile.com
* NOTE: Results may vary. While sealants are frequently recommended for patients in order to proactively mitigate common risk of tooth decay in molars, no procedure is guaranteed to be 100% preventative. The unique eating and dental care habits of each patient, as well as that patient’s genetics and susceptibility to dental problems, contribute to the unique dental health of each individual. Talk to our dentists to learn more about each of our services and get recommendations for your child.
Learn more at SunshineChildSmile.com.
Our Sunshine Team is taking every safety precaution to ensure that our office remains a place "where children have FUN & SMILE." We are following every safety guideline issued by the CDC, FDA, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, NC Department of Health & Human Services, and the NC Board of Dental Examiners. Staff and patients have been wearing masks and PPE, conducting health screening questionnaires upon arrival, temperature checks at the door, as well as ongoing sanitation and infection control to maintain a safe environment. We want only the best for our patient families and staff members.
🎨 COLOR WITH US & SPREAD THE JOY OF ART! 🎨
Help us fill our office and our Facebook Page with beautiful art! Encourage your little artists to participate in our "Everyone Smiles in the Same Language" coloring contest and write why they want to share smiles, too. We can make the world bright one SMILE at a time. Our hope at Sunshine Children’s Dentistry is to spread FUN & SMILES. There are 2 ways to submit your child’s art (you are welcome to do both). You may share a photo to our Facebook page with the hashtag #EveryoneSmilesInTheSameLanguage AND/OR mail it to our office: 1911 S. 17th Street #140, Wilmington, NC 28401. (Download the printable PDF here.)
To ensure all your children’s teeth are ready to SMILE all year long, be sure to visit Sunshine Children’s Dentistry. The American Dental Association recommends oral checkups twice annually for children (and adults, too). QUESTIONS? We are a resource to you and are happy to answer any questions you may have about your child’s changing smile. We believe that oral health should be FUN and something to SMILE about! f you ever need to reach us, our number is 910.762.7736.
For more helpful resources and fun activities, be sure to read our other Blog Articles.
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