Protect your child's teeth from cavities. A painless, preventive treatment proven to reduce decay by more than 70%.
The most likely location for a cavity to develop in your child's mouth is on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Run your tongue over this area in your mouth, and you will feel the reason why: These surfaces are not smooth, as other areas of your teeth are. Instead, they are filled with tiny grooves referred to as "pits and fissures," which trap bacteria and food particles. The bristles on a toothbrush can't always reach all the way into these dark, moist little crevices. This creates the perfect conditions for tooth decay.
What's more, a child's newly erupted permanent teeth are not as resistant to decay as adult teeth are. The hard enamel coating that protects the teeth changes as it ages to become stronger. Fluoride, which is found in toothpaste and some drinking water — and in treatments provided at the dental office — can strengthen enamel, but, again, it's hard to get fluoride into those pits and fissures on a regular basis.
Fortunately, there is a good solution to this problem: dental sealants.
Dental sealants are invisible plastic resin coatings that smooth out the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, making them resistant to decay. A sealed tooth is far less likely to develop a cavity, require more expensive dental treatment later on, or, most importantly, cause your child pain.
You can think of a sealant as a mini plastic filling, though please reassure your child that it doesn't "count" as having a cavity filled. Because tooth enamel does not contain any nerves, placing a sealant is painless and does not routinely require numbing shots.
The tooth or teeth to be sealed are examined. If any minimal decay is found, it will be gently removed.
The tooth is cleaned and dried. A solution that will slightly roughen or "etch" the surface is applied to help the sealant adhere better.
The tooth is rinsed and dried again to prepare for the sealant.
The sealant is painted on the tooth in liquid form and hardens in about a minute, sometimes with the help of a special curing light. That's all there is to it!
Sealed teeth require the same conscientious dental hygiene as unsealed teeth. Your child should continue to brush and floss his or her teeth daily and have regular professional cleanings. Checking for wear and tear on the sealants is important, though they should last for up to 10 years.
During the 10 years sealants last, your child will benefit from a preventive treatment proven to reduce decay by more than 70%.
While a 2012 study raised concerns about trace amounts of BPA in some dental resins, the study authors noted they had found an association but had not proven causation. BPA is far more prevalent in food and beverage packaging than in dental materials. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association have reaffirmed their support for the use of sealants.
Give your child the best defense against cavities. Dental sealants are quick, painless, and highly effective. Schedule an appointment today.
