Children’s teeth are valuable gems that hold the key to a lifetime of good smiles. But decay is more likely to happen in these growing teeth, especially in the back teeth’s hard-to-reach grooves and pits. This is where tooth sealants really shine as a strong defense, especially when they are put on by a dentist you trust, like a Southgate Farms, Indianapolis dentist.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are very thin plastic films that cover the eating surfaces of your child’s teeth and protect them from food and bacteria. They make a smooth, protected layer that keeps plaque and food from getting stuck in the tiny cracks, where they can cause cavities.
These are like a special kind of armor for your child’s teeth. They make it harder for bugs to get a hold of them and start the rotting process.
Why do children need dental sealants?
Kids’ teeth are more likely to break than adults’. The hard top skin of their teeth is still growing, so it might not be as strong as an adult’s. This makes them more likely to break down.
Young children may also not know how to properly brush and floss their teeth, which means that plaque can build up in hard-to-reach places.
The power of prevention and other key benefits of dental sealants.
1. Reduction of cavities.
One of the best things about sealants is that they can greatly lower the chance of cavities. By closing off the gaps and pits, they make a strong shield against bacteria that cause cavities.
By taking this preventative step, you can keep your child from having to deal with the pain and possible consequences of tooth decay.
2. Go after areas that are hard to get to.
It is very hard to clean the back teeth with a toothbrush because they have so many grooves and pits. This is especially true for the molars.
These cracks are filled with sealants, which make the surface smooth and easy to clean. With this extra layer of protection, food bits and germs are less likely to stick around and cause problems.
3. Protection that lasts.
Dental sealants are not just a short-term fix. They can protect you for many years if you take good care of them and get regular checkups. Your child has a big advantage in the fight against tooth decay because of this long-term defense.
4. The solution that saves money.
Sealants cost money to use at first, but they can save you money in the long run. By keeping your teeth healthy, you can avoid more invasive and expensive procedures like fillings, crowns, and even tooth extractions.
5. Getting more confident.
A healthy smile can make a child feel great about their own self-worth. Knowing that cavities will not happen to their teeth can give kids the courage to smile big and easily, which is good for their general health.
The simple and painless application process.
Putting on tooth sealants is a quick and easy process. In short, here is what it all means:
- Cleaning: The hygienist or dentist cleans the teeth very well to get rid of any plaque or food particles.
- Drying: After the sealant is put on, the teeth are carefully dried to make sure it sticks well.
- Etching (Optional): Sometimes, a gentle etching solution may be used to make the tooth surface a little rougher. This makes the sealer stick better.
- Sealant application: The biting sides of the teeth are covered with the liquid sealer.
- Hardening: A certain kind of light is used to make the sealant hard, which makes a strong wall that protects.
Maintain the effectiveness of sealants.
Sealants only last as long as you go to the dentist for regular checkups and keep up with your oral care. Plaque can be removed from places that are not covered by sealants by telling people to brush and floss their teeth twice a day.
Using dental sealants as part of a child’s regular oral health care routine will protect their teeth and keep their eyes bright for a long time.
