Dental Sealants Offer Extra Protection for Growing Teeth
At Sky Pediatric Dentistry, we offer dental sealants as a simple, effective way to protect your child’s back teeth from cavities. Sealants are a thin, protective coating that’s carefully applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars—where over 75% of tooth decay begins.
These back teeth often have deep grooves (called pits and fissures) that are hard to clean with a toothbrush. Sealants create a smooth surface that blocks out food particles and bacteria, making brushing more effective and reducing the risk of cavities.
Who Can Benefit From Sealants?
Sealants are especially helpful for:
- Children and teens: As soon as the first permanent molars appear (around age 6), and throughout the cavity-prone years of 6 to 16.
- Adults: With healthy teeth that have deep grooves but no decay or fillings.
- Young children: In some cases, we recommend sealing baby teeth if they have deep grooves and the child is at higher risk for cavities.
What to Expect During the Sealant Process
Sealant application is quick, painless, and non-invasive. Here's how it works:
- The teeth are thoroughly cleaned and dried.
- A special solution is applied to prepare the tooth surface for bonding.
- The sealant material is painted onto the grooves of the teeth.
- A curing light may be used to harden the sealant (depending on the type used).
Long-lasting Protection
Sealants can help protect teeth for many years but should be checked regularly during your child’s dental visits to ensure they’re still intact and effective. Combined with good brushing, flossing, a healthy diet, and routine dental care, sealants offer an added layer of defense against decay.
To find out if sealants are right for your child, call 270-715-5437 to schedule an appointment at Sky Pediatric Dentistry in Glasgow, KY.
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