Why your child’s dentist may suggest sealants for his/her teeth?

If your child’s dentist has just recommended putting sealants on your child’s teeth, you may have a few questions. American Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Yury Slepak has the answers for you.

What are sealants?

Sealants are a thin coat of plastic painted on the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth to prevent decay. Sealants are completely safe and painless to install. They go on as a liquid and harden over time to create an impregnable barrier between food and your child’s tooth.

How are sealants applied?

The tooth is cleaned and dried, and surrounded by cotton. A solution is applied to the tooth to make the surface rough, so the sealant will adhere to the tooth. Once the solution is dry, the cotton is replaced and the sealant is brushed onto the tooth. Although it is applied in liquid form, it hardens in a few seconds.

Why are sealants necessary?

Although fluoride protects the surface of the teeth, the back teeth are more prone to decay, especially the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Food creates bacteria and sometimes that bacteria causes cavities in the harder to reach teeth farther back in the mouth. Sealants prevent bacteria from causing cavities and may cut down on the need for fillings or crowns.

How long do sealants last?

Sealants can last up to ten years, but they need to be monitored by your child’s dentist or hygienist to make sure there are no chips or cracks in them. If there are, new material can be added to shore up the breech.

Protecting your child’s teeth for a lifetime is everyone’s goal, so if your child’s dentist recommends dental sealants, make an appointment as soon as possible. As Dr. Slepak of Brooklyn Pediatric Dentistry states, they may just save your child from discomfort later in life.