Your child’s teeth can last for a lifetime with the right care over the years. The biggest threat to their longevity is tooth decay. Although cavities are preventable, 20% of children 5-11 years old have at least one that’s untreated. Besides brushing and flossing, your child can benefit from an added layer of protection with dental sealants. You can help safeguard their smile using a simple, noninvasive procedure.
Dental sealants are widely used in preventive dentistry because they are proven effective for reducing the occurrence of tooth decay in cavity-prone areas, like the back molars. The clear, plastic barrier is placed onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth to stop harmful bacteria from getting trapped in the small grooves and crevasses of the teeth.
Dental sealants are most often recommended for children because they are very susceptible to cavities. Often, children don’t use the correct brushing methods and techniques, allowing bacteria to linger on their teeth. As a result, your dentist in Aurora will suggest placing them on your child’s teeth around the age of 6.
Although dental sealants are most often recommended for children, you’re never too old to benefit from their protection. They can be applied to patients of all ages, especially those who are prone to cavities.
The process of applying a dental sealant to a tooth is a quick and painless procedure. In fact, your child won’t even need an anesthetic. After their semi-annual dental cleaning, the sealant is painted on their teeth and cured using a special light. After the material is hardened, we’ll check their bite and make adjustments if necessary.
Dental sealants can last for a year or longer. We will check to ensure they are still functioning as intended at each semi-annual appointment. If one is damaged or missing, we can easily replace it in a matter of minutes.
Tooth decay is the most chronic condition that children in American face. In fact, it’s more common than asthma. While young children are most at risk, teens are also prone to cavities. No matter their age, your child will enjoy several benefits when choosing the protection of dental sealants, including:
If you’re ready to give your child an added layer of protection against cavity-causing bacteria, ask us about them during your next preventive visit.