One of the many things a dentist can do to help your children have strong and healthy teeth is applying a dental sealant. A dental sealant is a very thin coating that is made from a special plastic applied to the chewing surface of the teeth of the children at the back of their mouth.
Since teeth at the back are typically the ones that show signs of decay first, it is very important for parents to take extra steps and protect them. Dental sealants are a perfect way to do this – they make it possible for the teeth to prevent food particles and germs from sticking in the grooves which are the primary cause of tooth decay.
Is Your Child The Right Age for Dental Sealants?
- Dental sealants can be applied to the child’s teeth as soon as permanent morals have erupted. This is usually between the ages of 6 and 12 years. Once the morals are out, it is a very good idea for parents to take their child to a dentist and have the sealant applied.
Sealants are typically applied at the dentist’s office, in fact, Vitarelli Dental in Saddle River does this on a daily basis. It is a very fast and painless procedure so you shouldn’t really feel hesitant to bring your children. There are no scary tools involved, no drilling necessary, or any other procedures necessary.
- The only thing that will happen before the sealant is applied is that the dentist will clean and dry the teeth before they can apply a special gel to help with the sealant. Moreover, dental sealants are identically colored to the natural color of the teeth, meaning that they are invisible to the naked eye even when you talk, smile or laugh.
And the best thing about dental sealants is that they tend to last for 5-10 years before a dentist may need to have them replaced – but you need to make sure that you take your child for regular dental checkups for the best health of their teeth.
- Moreover, regular dental hygiene is also very important to keep teeth healthy and strong. Encourage your children to brush and floss their teeth on a daily basis, especially after eating a meal and before going to bed.
Why Are Sealants Important
- While regular brushing and flossing can help most food particles and plaque stuck on the teeth, nither can actually reach all the way to the grooves and depressions of the teeth. This is where sometimes food particles can get stuck and cause bacteria to grow.
And while fluoride from a fluoride toothpaste or water can help prevent tooth decay, it cannot protect the entire surface of the teeth, hence a sealant becomes necessary. If you or your child have plaque or have trouble with frequent tooth decay, talk to your dentist today and opt for dental sealants as soon as possible.
Visit Vitarelli Dental today and speak with one of our top-tiered dentists today. We will give you the best dental advice available in Saddle River.