Sealantsh

Sealantsh

Exceptional Dental Care & Results.

Kids and Babies

Our teeth are covered with a sticky film of bacteria, called plaque (sounds like PLAK). When we eat or drink anything that contains sugar-such as cookies, candy, soda, juice, or sports drinks-bacteria turn the sugar into acids that can attack tooth enamel. Over time, these attacks may cause tooth decay, or cavities. The good news is that there is a way to protect teeth and prevent decay: dental sealants.

Why are sealants needed?

Even a toothbrush bristle is too big to reach inside a groove in the tooth (magnified).

Tooth decay often begins on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. These surfaces have pits and grooves that trap plaque, bacteria, and bits of food. The pits and grooves are hard to keep clean, because toothbrush bristles cannot reach into them.

That is how decay starts in the pits and grooves and cavities form. To keep decay from starting here, the dentist may recommend dental sealants.

How do sealants work?

A dental sealant is a plastic material (resin) applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant material flows into the pits and grooves in the teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel by sealing out plaque, bacteria, and food.

How long do sealants last?

Sealants usually last several years before they need to be replaced. Over time, sealants can become loose or worn. Then they may not protect the teeth as well. Chewing on ice or hard foods can also break down sealants. During regular dental visits, your dentist will check your sealants and reapply them if needed.

How else can I protect teeth from decay?

Sealants protect only the chewing surfaces of teeth. To prevent cavities, follow these Healthy Smile Tips:

These good habits stop decay from forming in between the teeth-spots that sealants cannot cover.

Who should get sealants?

Sealants are most often placed in children and teenagers, since tooth decay can start soon after teeth come in. But adults can sometimes benefit from sealants too, because you never outgrow the risk for developing cavities.

A sealant can be placed on a tooth that does not have a cavity in its pits and grooves. If a tooth is stained or has mild decay, your dentist may suggest you get a sealant, or another option may be necessary. If a tooth has more advanced decay, it will need a filling.

Prevention is always better than treatment. Sealants are very useful in preventing tooth decay on the back teeth and can save patients money over time. Your dentist can make sealants part of your plan for a healthy mouth.

Sealant photos courtesy of Dr. Adam A. Francois.

Why Regular Dental Visits Are Important

Regular dental checkups and dental care-such as cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealantsâ€”provide your child with “smile insurance.” Plan your child’s first dental visit within six months after the first tooth appears but no later than the first birthday. Consider it a “well-baby checkup” for your child’s teeth.

At the dental visit, the dental team will:

check on oral hygiene, injuries, cavities, or other problems
find out your child’s risk of getting tooth decay
look at how the teeth are developing
let you know if your child may later need treatment for crooked teeth or a “bad bite”
provide advice to help you take care of your child’s oral health

Prevent Sports-Related Dental Injuries

Sports-related dental injuries can be prevented by wearing a mouthguard. Mouthguards can be custom-made by your dentist to fit your child’s mouth. Ready-made or “boil and bite” mouthguards are available at sporting goods stores. Ask your dentist which type is best for your child, especially if he or she wears braces.

Video: Your Child’s Teeth from Ages 6-12

Video: Dudley´s Classroom Adventure

Keep That Smile Clean

Sealants are easy to apply. It takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth. First, the tooth is cleaned and the chewing surfaces are prepared to help the sealant stick to the tooth. Then the sealant is painted onto the chewing surface where it bonds to the tooth and hardens. A special light may be used to help the sealant harden. Sealants are generally clear or white and cannot be seen when you smile or talk.