Submitted by Prairie Dental Group
Question: What are sealants and why are they important for my kids?
Answer: Dental sealants are a wonderful procedure that will help protect your child’s permanent newly erupted teeth. When we eat or drink anything with sugar or starch such as milk, bread, juice, etc. normal bacteria in the mouth turns this sugar into acids that attack tooth enamel resulting in decay.
A common place for tooth decay in children is on the chewing surface of their permanent back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth have deep grooves or depressions on their surface called pit and fissures. These areas are deep and narrow and are very difficult to keep clean.
The application of dental sealants in these areas plays an important role in preventing decay. When we explain this to girls, sometimes we tell them it is like painting the tooth with clear or white nail polish!
A sealant is a resin material applied to the chewing surface of a back permanent tooth. It is a simple, fast, painless procedure. No anesthesia is necessary. The tooth is cleaned, a gel is applied and washed off then dried.
The liquid resin (clear or white in color) is then applied as it flows into the grooves of the tooth’s surface sealing them. A special curing light shines on the material for 20 seconds hardening it. The tooth now has a smooth surface that acts as a barrier against sticky plaque and bacteria.
This simple procedure is cost effective and extremely helpful in preventing decay on the surface of a tooth. Once a tooth has decay, it is permanently damaged. Prevention is always better than treatment!
Dental sealants are checked regularly by your dentist and can be touched up as needed if they chip or break off. Sealants are a part of a child’s total preventive care along with brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, regular dental care and wise food choices.
Our dental practice philosophy is to seal permanent molars soon after they erupt. Obviously the sooner they are sealed, the less likely the penetration of bacteria into the grooves of the teeth.
Keep Smiling!
Submitted by Dr. DeSanto & Dr. Nathanson at Prairie Dental Group.
