Did you know most cavities in children occur in places that sealants could have protected? While brushing and flossing daily are necessary for removing food particles and plaque from the tooth’s smooth surfaces - sometimes reaching the nooks and crannies of the back teeth can be hard, increasing the chance of tooth decay. That’s where sealants come in. But what even are they?
Sealants are just a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth (usually premolars and molars) in order to prevent tooth decay. This painted on, liquid sealant quickly bonds to the tooth’s grooves forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth.
Who should get sealants? Typically, children get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars once those teeth come in. This way, the dental sealants can protect the teeth through the cavity-prone years of ages 6 - 14. Sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to 10 years! But they do need to be checked for chipping or wearing during regular dental visits and can be replaced as necessary.
For more information on how sealants are applied, visit WebMD’s article here » If you have questions about sealants and your child, feel free to give us a call today!
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