Maintaining healthy teeth stands as a crucial requirement. One way to help protect our teeth is through something called dental sealants in Carrollwood. Dental sealants form a protective layer that dentists apply to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The teeth known as molars contain many grooves and pits, which create spaces for food and bacteria to become trapped. Let’s dive into what dental sealants are and why they are beneficial for everyone, especially kids.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a thin, protective covering that is applied to the molar teeth’s chewing surfaces by dentists. These molar teeth have deep grooves wherein food and germs can be trapped, thus becoming more susceptible to cavities. Sealants are composed of a safe plastic type that quickly hardens and creates a barrier over the tooth.
How Sealants Protect Children’s Teeth?
Children develop tooth cavities because they fail to brush their teeth correctly and completely. The rough surface structure of molars makes them difficult to clean properly. Dental sealants function as protective barriers that cover tooth grooves to prevent food debris and bacteria from accumulating. The additional protection helps decrease the chances of tooth decay.
Children receive dental sealants when their permanent molars appear in their mouths at ages 6 and 12. The protection starts working better when children get their sealants early because this timing helps defend their teeth from cavity development during critical years.
Sealants for Cavity Prevention
Cavities happen when bacteria in the mouth mix with food and produce acids that weaken tooth enamel. Cavities that remain untreated will eventually cause tooth pain and infections before leading to tooth loss. Sealants for cavity prevention work effectively because they create a barrier that prevents bacteria from touching tooth surfaces.
Studies conducted by dental professionals show that tooth sealants lower molar cavity development by 80%. The application of sealants leads to reduced dental procedures and decreased pain while providing improved oral health for your child.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
1. Cavity Prevention
The main benefit of dental sealants is that they prevent cavities. By sealing off the deep grooves of molars, they prevent bacteria and food from causing decay.
2. Pain-Free and Quick Application
Applying sealants is a simple and painless process that takes only a few minutes per tooth. There is no need for drilling or numbing, making it easy for children.
3. Long-Lasting Protection
Sealants can last for several years. A dentist in Carrollwood checks them during regular visits to ensure they are still in place. If needed, they can reapply the sealant to keep the teeth protected.
4. Cost-Effective
Preventing cavities with sealants is more cost-effective than treating tooth decay. Fillings and crowns can be expensive, but sealants are a one-time investment that helps avoid costly dental treatments.
5. Better Oral Health
With fewer cavities, children can have healthier teeth. Good oral health also means fewer dental visits for painful problems like toothaches or infections.
The Simple Process of Applying Sealants
Applying sealants is a quick and painless procedure that usually takes just a few minutes per tooth. Here’s what happens during the process:
- Cleaning the Tooth – The dentist thoroughly cleans the tooth to remove any food or plaque.
- Drying the Tooth – The tooth is dried, and a special gel is applied to help the sealant stick.
- Applying the Sealant – The dentist applies the liquid sealant onto the tooth surface.
- Hardening the Sealant – A special light is used to quickly harden the sealant, creating a strong protective layer.
Once the sealant is set, the child can eat and drink normally. There’s no recovery time needed!
Do Sealants Replace Brushing and Flossing?
No, sealants do not replace daily brushing and flossing. Good oral hygiene is still important to keep teeth strong and healthy. Children should brush their teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove food and plaque between teeth.
Regular dental checkups are also important. During visits, the dentist at the dental office near you will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them if needed.
Are Sealants Safe for Children?
Yes! Sealants are completely safe and have been used by dentists for decades. They are made from materials that are tested and approved for dental use. Some parents worry about the plastic material, but research shows that sealants release very low levels of BPA (bisphenol-A), which is considered safe.
Protect Your Teeth with Dental Sealants Today!
At Playa Family Dentistry, we care about your smile! Our friendly team of dentists in Carrollwood is dedicated to providing quality dental services, including dental sealants that protect your teeth from cavities. We focus on making your visit comfortable and enjoyable for the whole family. Don’t wait any longer to keep your teeth healthy! Call us today to schedule an appointment and learn how sealants can make a difference for you and your family!