Dental Sealants And Preventive Dentistry

The most critical stage of the development of teeth in humans is from infancy to teenage. This is the time when the temporary teeth give way to the permanent set. Regular usage of teeth is bound to cause considerable deterioration in the structure of the teeth.

What are Dental Sealants?

Preventive dentistry has taken a giant leap to protect the teeth’s outer surface from cavities and dental ailments. The children must be taken good care of to protect their teeth. You might have experienced difficulties in getting your child to brush regularly. Sweet tooth is a common problem in almost all households. You might get professional help from a pediatric dentist near you.

Dental sealants are wafer-thin coating applied on the chewing surface and molars to prevent tooth decay. Sealants are made from thin acrylic-coatings and act as a barrier between the enamel and harmful bacterias. The deep grooves on the back of the jaw are places where food items might be stuck. Applying sealants can prevent the accumulation of debris and avoid bacterial activities. The acidic substance released from bacterial activities in the plaque erodes the enamel and affects teeth adversely.

Dental Sealants and Kids

Dental sealants for kids are an ideal way to prevent tooth decay. If you opine and ponder over “are dental sealants necessary?” then the answer is in the affirmative. The clinical report reveals dental sealants reduce the risk of tooth decay in children up to 80%. A child without dental sealants is almost three times more likely to be suffering from cavities or dental ailments.

Typically, pediatric dentists suggest getting dental sealants near you on the permanent molars and premolars of children as soon as the milk teeth give way to the permanent ones. Sealants are also effective in reducing cavities between the ages of six to fourteen.

Why are Sealants Applied?

The chewing surface of the teeth, the molars, and premolars have fissures to enable proper cutting and grinding of food. These groves make the teeth vulnerable to decay as the food items get stuck in these holes and are difficult to remove by mere brushing. Plaque and then tartar develop in these areas and become a thriving ground of bacterias. The acid released from bacterial activity attacks the enamel, weakening it to cause hollow teeth, chipped, or broken teeth.

Dental sealants protect the pitted areas of your teeth and leave a smooth surface. The other benefits of dental sealants are:

• Easy to apply, dental sealants can be applied within a few minutes.
• Practically no recovery time and protection start immediately after application.
• Durable, long-lasting, and can withstand the normal chewing of food.
• Sealants are white and do not interfere with the color or appearance of natural teeth.
• More affordable and helps to retain the natural color of teeth.
• No clumsy maintenance; regular brushing is enough to keep sealants clean.
• Non-invasive and pain-free application.
• No loss of enamel to accommodate the sealants.
• Covered by most of the dental insurances.

How Are Dental Sealants Applied?

One of the most painless and straightforward processes of dentistry is the application of dental sealants. Irrespective of age, the hygienist or dentist can apply sealants to your teeth. Made from epoxy resins or high-grade polycarbonate plastics, the sealants are easy to apply. The teeth are cleaned thoroughly and dried with cotton or absorbent material of that the cleaned teeth are not moist with saliva.

The next step involves roughening the outer surface with an acidic solution to help sealants bond with the teeth. The sealants are then applied to the teeth’s rough surface and bond directly with the enamel, and hardens instantly. Often a curing light is applied for better hardening and bonding.

Once applied, sealants can last over ten years, and the chances of chipping or falling of sealants are also rare. Regular brushing of teeth, using mouthwash is enough to maintain sealants.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Visiting the pediatric dentist can prevent tooth decay and cavities. Urbach Pediatric Dentistry is rated as one of the best pediatric dentists in Houston over three generations. Our pediatric dentist Houston, TX are certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and we provide round-the-clock emergency dentistry. You may book an appointment and avail of our in-network dentists for PPO insurance so that your child receives the best dental care without financial burden.