In keeping with our theme for National Children’s Dental Health month, let’s discuss another popular topic: dental sealants. What are sealants and what can they do for your child?
Sealants are plastic coatings that can either be clear or white. A very thin layer of sealant material is applied to the biting surfaces of teeth, filling in all the grooves and pits which is where cavities often start. There is no anesthetic or drilling required. Once placed, the sealants provide a smooth glassy surface. In my office we tell the children that we are going to “paint” their teeth to make them like “skating rinks”.
Permanent molars, which start to come into the mouth at around 6 years of age, benefit the most from sealants. That’s because molars often have deep grooves on the biting surfaces which can retain bacteria and food particles.
Sealants can last many years; however, it is important to have them checked during regular dental checkups to make sure they are still intact. Otherwise they may need to be redone.
Remember that sealants are only one aspect of a child’s preventive care. Proper brushing and flossing, wise food choices, and regular dental visits are essential to maintaining the overall oral health of your child.
Thank you for reading. I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. To learn more about my practice, click on the link www.elitesacramentodentist.com
Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
Feb. 18, 2010