Should My Child Get Dental Sealants?

Perhaps Dental Sealants have been recommended for your child or you have just been considering getting them applied to your child’s teeth. Here is what you should know about dental sealants and your children’s teeth.

About dental sealants

Dental sealants are thin pieces of plastic that are placed over the chewing part of the teeth. The plastic smoothes over the grooves and ridges in the teeth and with these covered it prevents food particles and bacteria from lingering and hiding out in these ridges.

How are they applied?

Dental sealants are applied in a dentist’s office. They do not require any sort of surgery and are easily applied. First, the teeth are thoroughly cleaned and rinsed off. An acid solution is then administered over the tooth to assist in adhering the sealant plastic to the teeth. After a few minutes, this solution is rinsed off with water and the teeth are allowed to dry before the liquid or gel sealant is finally placed on the selected tooth. Some sealants adhere on their own but some may require time under a special light before completely sealing.

Who can get them?

As long as permanent teeth are fully in place, sealants can be applied. The sealants are generally applied to the back chewing teeth as they collect the most bacteria and food. Sealants are most useful when applied early but both children and adults can receive sealants.

Why do they matter?

Dental sealants are important to consider because they seal out food and bacteria. Food and bacteria like to live in the ridges of the teeth and a lot of these ridges are difficult to clean with a standard toothbrush and floss. After some time, the food and bacteria start to fester causing very serious tooth decay. With the sealants, the food and bacteria are not able to find a home, preventing from any festering and keeping your teeth healthy.

What about for children?

Once permanent adult teeth and molars come in, children are ready and able to get dental sealants. It is often best for children to get them right away as sealants can last 5-10 years and prevent cavities and decay in the early years of their lives. This can be done as early as 6 years of age depending on what your dentist recommends. Adults are also candidates for dental sealants but the earlier the sealants are applied the lower the risks of any future tooth decay.

Finally

The back teeth are hard to clean and are prime spots for bacteria to fester in your child's mouth. Having your dentist apply dental sealants to your children’s teeth can act as a barrier from food remnants and bacteria. This can save the teeth from decay and prevent huge dental bills and troubles as your children grow into their new adult teeth. The sealants still require cleaning and flossing and your child will still need to have frequent visits with the dentist but they are that one extra protection your children didn’t have before.

Are you considering dental sealants in the Bakersfield area? Get more information at https://brimhalldentalgroup.com.

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