Dental Sealants

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.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Sealants.

Recent Posts

How To Protect The Longevity Of Your New Dental Veneers

Dental veneers transform smiles, boosting patients' confidence by improving their aesthetics. These thin, custom-made shells cover imperfections, such as discoloration, chips, or gaps, and offer a durable solution for enhancing your appearance. However, following specific care routines and working closely with a dentist is vital to keeping veneers looking and functioning at their best. Taking…

The Benefits Of Replacing Missing Teeth With Dentures

Dentures can replace a full dental arch or fill some dental gaps after tooth loss. The dentist will make sure that these restorations match the color and texture of the remaining teeth. Proper care and maintenance can help them last for a long time. Here are some of the benefits that you can get from…

The Denture Fitting Process: What To Expect

Considering dentures? Read on to learn more. For individuals dealing with tooth loss, dentures might offer a life-changing experience, both for their dental function and aesthetics. Millions of adults depend on dentures for their dental needs. According to a National Nutrition and Health Examination Survey, about 57% of Americans aged 65 to 74 and 51%…

Caring For Your Dentures: Do’s And Don’ts

Dentures provide an accessible opportunity for people to enjoy full arches of teeth, but caring for dentures takes extra time. While denture care does not have to be complicated, caring for your dentures does mean knowing what to do and what to avoid.Denture care can be broken down into two categories: things that should be…

Brimhall Dental Group

Share
Published by
Brimhall Dental Group

Recent Posts

How to Protect the Longevity of Your New Dental Veneers

Taking the time to care for veneers contributes to healthier teeth and gums, creating a…

6 days ago

The Benefits of Replacing Missing Teeth With Dentures

Dentures can replace a full dental arch or fill some dental gaps after tooth loss.…

7 days ago

The Denture Fitting Process: What To Expect

Considering dentures? Read on to learn more. For individuals dealing with tooth loss, dentures might…

2 weeks ago

Caring for Your Dentures: Do’s and Don’ts

Dentures provide an accessible opportunity for people to enjoy full arches of teeth, but caring…

3 weeks ago

Getting the Most Out of Your Dentures

Dentures are removable appliances that restore the appearance of your smile and your ability to…

4 weeks ago

The Stages of Gum Disease and When To Seek Treatment

Gum disease is a common yet serious condition that negatively impacts oral health if left…

1 month ago