If you have children, their overall well-being is always your first concern. You assure your child’s dental health by being vigilant about bringing them to the dentist for their cleanings, routine checkups, and if necessary, fillings to address any cavities that have formed.
One way to protect their teeth from the very start, and safeguard their healthy smile, is to ask their dentist to apply dental sealants. This treatment is an effective tool to prevent plaque from building up on susceptible teeth whether they are being used to care for a child’s teeth or those of an adult.
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants prevent cavities by creating a barrier against bacteria. They consist of a plastic material that covers a tooth's chewing surface and is most often applied to premolars and molars the teeth that are most vulnerable to decay.
When is the Right Time for Sealants?
For infants, as soon as your their first molars emerge they can be sealed. This is important because damage to primary (or baby) teeth can set the stage for dental issues in permanent teeth. The same goes for their permanent molars. Sometimes the permanent molars can be sealed before they’ve completely grown in. Children with deep grooves in their molars are at particular risk for decay, as these areas attract food particles, and accelerate decay.
For adults, anytime is appropriate provided that the tooth has not had a cavity. Sealants are especially beneficial for pregnant women, as this is a known risk factor for the development of caries.
How are Sealants applied?
Dental sealants are totally non-invasive and require no drilling or injections. The chewing surface of the tooth is cleaned with a small pumice and rinsed. When dry, the tooth is prepared with an etching gel that allows the sealant to adhere to it. The tooth is then rinsed and dried again, and the sealant is applied. In the liquid state, the sealant flows into each pit, groove, and depression.
A curing light assists in the hardening process. After it is applied, the sealant is examined to assure the correct bite is maintained. If the sealant is too dense on any area of the tooth, the dentist will buff it down to the correct height.
The Advantages of Dental Sealants
Even the most well-intentioned dental care routine can miss some particles that remain between teeth and, regardless of age, no one is immune to the effects of plaque. Sealants can effectively reduce the risk of tooth decay by preventing these food particles and plaque from gathering in the grooves and depressions on teeth.
Maintenance
Care for your or your child’s teeth in the same way as before having them sealed. You can eat and drink normally but don’t chew on hard objects like ice, and avoid sticky candies as they can damage or destroy the sealant.
Get Started with Sealants – Call us Today!
When it comes to your smile, Drs. Lahair and Gallagher are dedicated to education and prevention.
If you are looking for compassionate, comprehensive dental care for your child, give our Worcester dental office a call.