Each night, you hassle your child to get in the bathroom and brush and floss. Seeing their smile makes you proud as a parent, and you don’t want to leave those small pearly whites defenseless against decay and infection. In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control stated that children 6 to 11 years old benefit drastically from sealants. Children whose molars weren’t protected by sealants had 3 times more cavities than children with them. Your children’s dentist in Hamden discusses what sealants are and how they can protect your little one’s smile below.
What Are Sealants?
In the same way you hold an umbrella over your head to protect yourself from the rain, sealants provide shelter and protection from cavities and harmful bacteria. Sometimes it’s hard to get between the nook and crannies of a small smile, leaving leftover food debris and lingering bacteria.
Sealants are a quick and painless treatment that covers your child’s premolars or molars. Their dentist will clean and dry their teeth. They’ll then place a gel on their teeth to bond the sealant to them. After a short time, your dentist will rinse and dry the tooth again before placing the sealant on the grooves where it’s harder to brush and floss. Finally, they’ll harden it with a special blue light.
Who Can Get Sealants?
Sealants are great for children and adults, but the sooner you get them, the better. Your child’s molars are grown in by the age of 12, so sealing them as soon as they appear can ensure that they remain cavity-free. This procedure can save you time and money in the long run and is a great preventive treatment. The best way to know if this is the best option for your child is to discuss it with their dentist during their routine checkup and cleaning. This is also a great time to ask any questions or concerns you may have.
What Are The Benefits Of Sealants?
There’s nothing that fills you with joy more than seeing your child smile or laugh. You want to provide your little one with the foundation they need to maintain great oral health into adulthood. Some benefits that sealants have to offer include:
- Protection begins immediately after application.
- Durable and able to withstand chewing.
- Can last several years before they need to be reapplied.
- Because they’re white or clear, they’re practically unnoticeable.
- Defend your child’s teeth against cavities and infection.
Making sure your child’s oral health is up to par has never been easier. Protect your little one from dental decay and infection so their smile remains happy and healthy for years to come. During their next routine checkup and cleaning, be sure to ask their dentist about how sealants can fortify their oral health!
About the Practice
At D’Andrea and Pantera, our 3 highly qualified dentists offer collective decades of experience. They focus on providing a warm and comforting environment for patients to receive trustworthy individualized treatment. As knowledgeable professionals, patients can benefit from high-quality preventive care so their smiles can remain healthy for years to come! For any questions or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or contact 203-288-0951.
