Seeing a dentist every six months for routine cleanings and treatments is vital for your child’s dental health, and preventive care is equally essential. Brushing twice and flossing once a day are both key parts of proactive oral hygiene. Dental sealants can also be an effective strategy, but are less commonly known. 

What Are Sealants?

Usually made from plastic, dental sealants are thin pieces of film that go on top of your teeth. The dentist molds them to the precise depressions and grooves, so there’s no difference in the way they feel or function. The plastic shields against food particles, plaque, and tartar.

By keeping these harmful substances off your child’s teeth, they’ll avoid problems like tooth decay, cavities, enamel erosion, and gum disease. When maintained with a consistent oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing, sealants can last for many years. 

How Are They Beneficial? 

Sealants are helpful for adults, but they’re especially useful for kids and teenagers whose permanent teeth are still growing. Many children and adolescents are still developing the fine motor skills and oral hygiene habits that they need to properly clean the surfaces and crevices of their teeth and gums.

Their weaker immune systems make them more prone to developing cavities and gum disease. Having a literal extra layer of protection makes a significant difference to their dental health. In fact, the Center for Disease Control notes that children with sealants experience cavities far less than children without them. 

What Should You Expect From the Dentist Appointment? 

The dentist will make sure your child’s teeth are completely clean so that nothing that could harm them is trapped beneath the sealant. Once the teeth are dry, the dentist will apply an acid solution to the top of the teeth, which will bond with the sealant. After cleaning and drying the teeth once more, the dentist will brush the sealant on the teeth and harden it with a special blue light. The process is painless and usually takes less than an hour. Your child should continue to brush and floss as normal. 

 
To speak with a dedicated, kid-friendly dentist about protecting your child’s teeth with dental sealants, contact Preventive Dental Services PC in Homer and Barrow, AK. Dental sealants are part of the many preventive practices they provide especially for children. If older kids and teenagers need orthodontic treatment, they could also get braces, or they may be eligible for Invisalign®. Make an appointment for your child today by calling (907) 235-1286 or sending a message online.