Dental Sealants

Preventing Tooth Decay

As children grow, the enamel on the surface of the teeth changes to become stronger and more resistant to decay. However, before this enamel strengthens, young children are more susceptible to dental decay. Dental sealants are an effective measure that pediatric dentists use to help protect your child’s teeth from decay as they grow. The most common place for children to develop cavities is on the chewing surface of the back teeth. The back teeth, or the molars, are designed to help chew and grind down food to a consistency that is easy to swallow. The shape of the back molars is irregular with strong peaks and deep valleys which can occasionally trap food, allowing it to sit in the crevices of the teeth. Toddlers and small children can greatly benefit from the application of dental sealants to protect the developing back teeth from food particles that may sit on the teeth and cause decay.

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What are Dental Sealants?

The material used to seal the back molars is a clear, plastic resin that acts as a protective coating on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. These teeth have deep grooves, fissures and pits that can be difficult to clean thoroughly with regular brushing alone. Dental sealants act as a physical barrier, sealing off these vulnerable areas, and creating a smooth, protective surface on the tooth. Alongside good oral hygiene practices, they are very durable and tend to last throughout childhood.

Sealants provide a protective barrier in the depressions and grooves of the teeth from food particles and plaque that brushing and flossing often miss. According to the CDC, the use of dental sealants can help prevent up to 80 percent of cavities in children.
They can be applied easily in a short amount of time and are completely painless. It involves cleaning the tooth surface, applying an adhesive, and then placing the sealant material. No drilling or removal of tooth structure is necessary!
They withstand the forces of normal chewing and can last up to ten years before reapplication, if needed.
They are cost-effective and, when combined with good home care, are the least invasive way to prevent cavities. They are less expensive than treating cavities and can help avoid more extensive dental procedures in the future.
They are clear in color and hence invisible when talking, smiling or eating.
They help promote good overall oral health by reducing the risk of cavities. Healthy teeth mean fewer dental visits for treatments, less discomfort and improved well-being.
They are non-toxic and have been used for many years with an excellent safety record.

How Are Dental Sealants Applied?

Dental sealants are easy to apply in a short amount of time. The good news is your child will not feel anything throughout the application process, with is non-invasive. They often do not even require an additional appointment are are usually applied after a routine dental checkup and cleaning. Pediatric Dentistry of Fredericksburg offers a step-by-step guide to dental sealant application.

Teeth are first examined, cleaned and dried.
The hygienist or dental technician will place cotton rolls between the cheek and gums to isolate the surface of the teeth.
A special formula (acid etch solution) will be applied to the surface of the teeth to gently roughen the surface which allows the sealant to properly adhere to the tooth’s surface.
The acid etch solution will be rinsed off and the tooth surface will be dried again.
The sealants are then painted on the surface of the teeth.
A special blue light is used to cure the material to the surface of the molars for optimal protection.

How to Care for Dental Sealants

The best preventative dental care for your child is routine brushing and flossing. While dental sealants are highly effective in preventing decay, they are not a substitute for good home care routines in the morning and at night. They do not require any extra care, and your child can brush and floss as they normally would. At each regular 6-month cleaning appointment, the dentist will check to make sure that they are continuing to provide the protective barrier your child needs to prevent decay.