Dental sealants help in sealing the holes on the teeth caused by the cavity. It is a thin plastic coating placed on the chewing portion of the teeth. It is one of the most effective ways of preventing tooth cavities by giving protection to the enamel.
Brushing and flossing can remove the food particles and plaque from the teeth indeed, but dental sealants provide some additional protection.
Food particles can get stuck to the grooves and ridges of molars and pre-molars, and children stand more chances of getting the same. Hence dental sealants are the most effective products for them. However, adults who do not have tooth decays can also avail of this procedure.
Children with baby teeth need to protect them adequately. They not only need to keep the teeth safe from decays but also have the correct spacing between them. It is essential to do so for the teeth to remain healthy and active.
How are sealants applied?
The process of application of sealants is straightforward and easy. The method is potentially a very painless process that takes only a few minutes to execute. Your kid’s pediatric dentist would help in sealing all the required tooth with sealants.
The procedure for application is as follows:
- The dentist will clean the teeth properly first
- Then the teeth will be dried with the help of cotton and another absorbent material. It also helps in keeping the teeth dry for a longer time
- Then to roughen the teeth surface, an acid solution is applied. It helps in bonding the teeth with the sealant
- Then the teeth are rinsed and dried
- Finally, the dentist will paint sealants to the tooth enamel, where it gets hardened.
The sealants can protect the teeth from decay, and with proper care, it can last up to 10 years. In the meantime, do remember to visit the dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups. The dentist might replace the sealant, if necessary.