Tooth decay is one of the most widespread dental problems for children, affecting up to 42% of young Americans. While good dental hygiene can help prevent cavities, dental sealants are a powerful extra line of defense. These thin, protective coatings form a barrier to damaging substances and bacteria, preserving teeth as they develop. Here’s a closer look at these protective aids.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are resin-based coatings applied to children’s back teeth. These hard-to-reach molars are often vulnerable to cavities since the grooves and indentations in them retain food particles more stubbornly. Many children find them more difficult to brush effectively. Sealants form a barrier against sugars that attract cavity-forming bacteria, pairing with regular brushing to provide a huge boost to dental hygiene.

Applying sealants is a quick and painless process. A dentist will first apply an acidic gel that slightly roughens the tooth’s surface to help the sealant grip it. This gel will be washed off before the sealant is applied and hardened with a special blue light.

How Else Do They Benefit Children?

In addition to preventing cavities, dental sealants offer several practical and health advantages. Because the sealant slightly levels out the surface of the tooth, it simplifies dental hygiene since kids won’t have to work too hard to brush away stubborn food particles. The American Dental Association recommends children and adolescents use sealants to prevent decay while the teeth and gums develop since early decay in the molars can cause lifelong health problems.

Dental sealants can also save significant amounts of time and money as well as prevent distress. Cavities can be an expensive, time-consuming, and painful condition to treat, and because multiple cavities can develop in a single tooth, they can present a recurring problem for growing children. Sealants help prevent these concerns by acting as sure protection for sensitive teeth, blocking out risky materials and contaminants and making visits to the dentist simpler and more relaxed.

 

If you’re interested in protecting your child’s teeth with dental sealants, contact William U. Britton, DDS, MAGD, in Chillicothe, OH, for advice and assistance. Dr. Britton offers the benefit of over 35 years of experience in providing dental sealants, tooth extractions, cavity treatment, and more. He and his team also offer an extensive range of cosmetic treatments. Find out more about their dental hygiene services online and call (740) 772-2225 to schedule an appointment today.