Applying dental sealants is more well-understood than it was twenty years ago. However, many parents who did not have this surgery performed on them when they were youngsters may need to learn more to feel more at ease before bringing their children in for the procedure. Sealants can be explained in more detail by a pediatric dentist in Winnipeg, but knowing their general function and how they work to safeguard teeth will also help you make an educated choice.
What are Dental Sealants?
These unique coverings help keep teeth free from cavities. Since the back teeth, or molars, are the ones most susceptible to developing cavities, they are most frequently placed in these locations.
Sealants fill in the grooves and fissures on teeth’s chewing surfaces, making it harder for germs to build up and form cavities. Acquiring them is an easy process. A pediatric dentist near you will thoroughly clean your child’s teeth before the substance is placed on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. A special light will next be used to cure or harden the sealant. The normal lifespan of tooth sealants is several years before they need to be updated.
Dental sealants might be a helpful solution if you’re trying to prevent cavities in your child’s teeth.
Benefits of Dental Sealants for Children
When it comes to preserving good oral health in youngsters, dental sealants in Winnipeg offer a number of advantages. Some of the main benefits are noted below:
- They serve as a physical barrier on the chewing surfaces of the rear teeth (premolars and molars), which are prone to tooth decay. In order to stop food particles, germs, and plaque from getting stuck and creating cavities, they seal off the deep grooves and pits.
- Preventing tooth decay early on by using dental sealants is a proactive measure. Due to challenges with regular brushing and flossing practices, as well as higher consumption of sugary foods and beverages, children are more likely to develop cavities. As soon as the permanent molars sprout, usually between the ages of 6 and 12, sealants can be used.
- The application of dental sealants is a rapid, easy, and non-intrusive technique. There is no need for drilling or tooth structure removal. The sealant material is simply applied to the surface of the teeth after they have been meticulously cleaned, where it adheres and hardens.
- With good oral hygiene habits, dental sealants can persist for several years. To make sure they stay intact, a dentist may need to examine them during routine checkups. To maintain protection, sealants can be applied again if necessary.
- This is an affordable treatment. Applying sealants is substantially less expensive than treating cavities and dental deterioration. Sealants can spare families the potential costs of fillings, root canals, and other dental procedures by avoiding cavities.
- Dental sealants can aid in the development of children’s healthy oral hygiene practices. Because of their flat surface, sealed teeth are easier to keep clean with frequent brushing and flossing. Children who have sealants could be more inclined to care for their teeth and understand the value of frequent brushing and flossing.
When Children Should Receive Sealants
Dental sealants are to be put on as soon as feasible after the emergence of permanent teeth for optimal protection. For most kids, this would be around the age of 6.
Maintaining Dental Sealants for Optimal Oral Health
First, wait 24 hours before consuming anything hard or sticky after getting your sealants applied. These kinds of meals can harm the sealant’s substance and hasten its deterioration. Second, maintain good dental hygiene by using fluoride toothpaste twice daily and flossing daily.
Usually invisible when a child talks or smiles, dental sealants near you are clear, white, or slightly stained in color. Depending on the substance used, your child’s bite may feel a little different after sealants have been applied. This is normal.
After a couple of days, the bite will adjust. There are no particular precautions to take, and you can eat and drink right away after the sealant has been applied. Between five and ten years is the average lifespan of sealants. Nevertheless, they could deteriorate or chip over time and require touch-ups at routine checkups.
Get in Touch with Us at Greenwoods Pediatric Dentistry
If you’re looking to schedule an appointment for your child, please feel free to contact the team here at our local dental office. We’re here to help you and your family with your oral health however you need!