A dental sealant is a thin, plastic-like coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. The teeth are sealed shut so that food and plaque cannot become trapped between the teeth, and the sealants protect the child’s dental health for many years. Because the back teeth are hard for children to brush properly, the sealants can play an important role in preventing cavities.
Another benefit of dental sealants is the aesthetic quality of the smile. When applied to the premolars and molars, these areas are no longer prone to developing stains or discoloration. This can help give your child a smile that is free of unsightly marks. The process of applying dental sealants is quick and straightforward, but the results can be longstanding.
A tooth sealant is made of a clear or tooth-colored substance that protects the tooth from bacteria that can cause cavities. To apply the sealant, we will first clean and dry the teeth. We then apply the sealant, which flows into the space between two teeth. We dry the surface of the teeth one more time. The sealant will harden on its own and requires no special care to maintain. Proper oral hygiene practices are still needed to prevent tooth decay and food particles from impacting the dental sealant. If the sealant is lost due to decay or other damage, we will need to reapply it. The need for future applications will depend on factors such as the strength of the sealant material and how your teeth come together when you bite down.
A simple dental sealant can help protect teeth from bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup. Mounted onto the biting surfaces of the molars where decay is most likely to occur, these thin plastic coatings create a barrier between the teeth and food particles that can get stuck there and lead to cavities. While brushing and flossing are important parts of your regular dental hygiene routine, sealants add extra defense for your teeth against tooth decay. It’s important to remember that dental sealants don’t replace the need for brushing and flossing. Be sure to maintain healthy oral hygiene habits in addition to having sealants applied to your teeth. This will help ensure their effectiveness as well as keep your mouth clean and healthy!
Children should get sealants on their permanent molars as soon as they erupt from the gums, which usually happens between the ages of 6 and 12. This is usually around age 9 or 10 for most children. Brushing and flossing are not sufficient enough to protect the pits and fissures of these teeth from decay. Applying sealants helps to prevent these deep grooves from becoming infected. If the bacteria that live in the mouth are left in these crevices, it can lead to cavities.
To learn more about our dental services or schedule a consultation, call Dentist in Woodstock, GA, at (470) 601-7888 or visit Park Creek Dental Care at 8080 Hickory Flat Hwy, Woodstock, GA 30188.
