How Dental Sealants Can Help Protect Your Child’s Teeth

Every parent wants their child to grow up happy and healthy. And when it comes to your child’s oral health, it’s no different.

Making sure your child brushes and flosses every day is extremely important. But did you know there are still fissures and pits in your child’s teeth that bacteria can get into? Luckily, there is a way to protect your child’s pearly whites from invading bacteria – dental sealants.

At Heroes Dental our goal, like yours, is to keep your child’s smile beautiful and free from oral hygiene problems.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Sealants are a type of protection placed over the teeth to help “seal out” bacteria which live off of food particles that get stuck in the teeth and which can result in unwanted cavities.

Your child’s prepubescent teeth are filled with pits and fissures, especially their molars, premolars, and incisors. Some of these spots in your child’s mouth can be hard to clean and need a little extra protection. Sealants act as a thin barrier, keeping them free of stray food particles.

How Are Sealants Applied?

Your child’s teeth are wiped clean. This pre-sealant cleaning gets rid of any plaque or food particles that may be stuck between your child’s teeth.

Any and all teeth that the sealant will be placed on are dried completely, giving the sealant a fresh surface to adhere to.

Acid etching is done next. Acid etching is the process in which a tooth is etched, or cut, to create a rough surface. This makes it even easier for the sealant to grab onto the teeth.

The next step is placing a bonding agent onto the teeth to create a secure spot once the sealant is in place.

The sealant is finally applied to applicable teeth. After the application, the sealant is cured by a light, similar to a black light, bonding the sealant and the teeth together.

Finally, once the sealant has set and hardened, your child is free to eat. This is a procedure that should not spark any worry for parents. Done in as little as one visit, the process is quick and painless.

How Early Is Too Early?

A child’s permanent molars usually erupt at around 7, or even as young as 6 years old, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). This is the perfect age to talk to our McAllen pediatric dentist at Heroes Dental about dental sealants.

Dental sealants will reduce the chance of your child getting cavities by one third, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They also protect your child’s teeth from 80 percent of cavities in the first two years of having them.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), sealants can last up to 10 years if properly taken care of. Sealants are also easily repairable.

Should I Be Worried About Any Risks?

There are virtually no side effects and have been thoroughly evaluated and approved by the NIDCR. One thing your child may experience is an unpleasant taste in their mouth after the sealants have been applied.

If a sealant should fall out, contact your pediatric dentist right away. Sealants can be evaluated and easily repaired or replaced.

Some Other Ways to Prevent Bacteria Buildup

Although dental sealants are a proven strategy to help prevent cavities, at-home oral care is just as important. There are a few preventative measures that your children should practice, including:

Cutting down on sugary foods

Regular dental check-ups

Regular cleanings

Brushing twice a day

Flossing daily

If you have any further questions about dental sealants contact Heroes Dental to schedule an appointment at any of our offices located all throughout the Rio Grande Valley and Laredo.