Dental Sealants Keep Little Smiles Protected

Sometimes brushing is simply not enough, especially when it comes to those hard-to-reach spots in your child’s mouth. It can be difficult for their toothbrush to get in between the small cracks and grooves on their back teeth. If left alone, these tiny areas can develop tooth decay. Fortunately, dental sealants can give your child’s teeth extra protection against decay and help prevent cavities.

Dental sealants are plastic resins that bond and harden in the deep grooves on their tooth's surface. When a tooth is sealed, the tiny grooves become smooth and are less likely to harbor plaque. With sealants, brushing their teeth becomes easier and more effective.

Sealants are typically applied to children's teeth after their permanent teeth have erupted as a preventive measure against tooth decay. However, adults can also receive sealants on healthy teeth. It is more common to seal permanent teeth rather than baby teeth, but every patient has unique needs, and your dentist will recommend sealants on a case-by-case basis.

Sealants typically last for three to five years, although it is fairly common to see adults with sealants still intact from childhood. A dental sealant only provides protection when it is fully intact, so if your child’s sealants ever come off, let their dentist know and schedule an appointment for their teeth to be resealed.