Dental Sealants: What Parents Should Know
At Highlight Family Dentistry, we are committed to providing comprehensive dental services to patients of all ages. We are pleased to offer a range of pediatric dental services, including dental sealants to keep dental disease at bay. These invisible shields protect the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars, preventing tooth decay and cavities. We’re all about enhancing your child’s oral health for a lifetime of beautiful smiles.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Your child’s molars and premolars have grooves and crevices on their chewing surfaces that tend to trap food particles and plaque, providing cavity-causing bacteria the perfect environment to flourish. Even with the best tooth-brushing practices, it is often difficult to clean these hard-to-reach areas, leaving your child’s teeth at risk.
Dental sealants are ultra-thin plastic coatings that fill every nook and cranny on the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth, smoothing them out and essentially sealing out plaque, bacteria, and food debris. Dental sealants have been proven to significantly lower the risk of tooth decay and cavities in permanent teeth, promoting long-term healthy smiles.
When Are Sealants Applied?
We recommend placing dental sealants when your child’s permanent molars come in, around ages six and twelve. Sealing these teeth as they come can help keep them cavity-free right from the start, preventing the need for involved treatments down the road. But what if your child missed the six or twelve-year mark? If the teeth are free of cavities, the best time to place dental sealants is now!
Even though dental sealants are usually placed on children’s teeth, teens and adults prone to decay may benefit from their protection. Every patient is different with unique needs, so it is best to consult with your trusted team at Highlight Family Dentistry of Hutto to determine whether sealing your teeth is right for you.
What Is the Dental Sealant Procedure?
Applying dental sealants is a quick, painless procedure. After cleaning the teeth and drying them, we will use a solution to roughen the chewing surfaces of the premolars and molars to help the sealant material bond. Next, we will paint the sealant material and use a special curing light to help it harden and bond to the tooth surfaces, providing a protective shield. The entire process takes a few minutes to complete.
How Should You Care for Your Child’s Sealed Teeth?
Placing dental sealants on your child’s teeth is no substitute for good oral hygiene practice, including regular brushing and flossing. We also recommend limiting sugary or acidic foods and beverages to lower the risk of tooth decay and tooth enamel erosion. Remind your child to avoid biting down on hard foods or objects, which can damage the sealants as well as the natural tooth structure.
Visiting Highlight Family Dentistry of Hutto for your child’s routine dental exams and cleanings is another important preventive tool in the ongoing fight against cavities. Our team will monitor your child’s dental sealants to ensure they continue providing the best possible protection. We may recommend replacing the sealants if we see signs of wear or damage. Our twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings will also allow us to uncover dental problems in their earliest stages, safeguarding your child’s smile.
Dental Sealants Near Me
Contact Highlight Family Dentistry of Hutto, TX, to learn more about protecting your child’s smile with dental sealants. Our dedicated team is a proponent of prevention rather than treating dental decay after it develops. We look forward to caring for your child’s smile. Call us at (512) 886-2644 to schedule your appointment, or book one online today!