Dental Sealants

child-teethSealants are an excellent method of preventing decay on the chewing surfaces of newly erupted permanent back teeth.

A dental sealant is a thin layer of resin that is applied in the pits and fissures (in the developmental grooves) of molars and premolars.  These deep grooves can be difficult to clean with a toothbrush – especially when the toothbrush is in the hands of a child.  With a source of food present, bacteria can easily hide in pits and fissures, produce acids and cause decay.  Once decay is established, it must be restored by removing tooth structure and placing a restoration.

A sealant effectively seals out these bacteria and prevents decay from starting in the first place.

How are sealants applied?

Step 1:  check for decay, followed by pumice (a simple cleaning)
Step 2:  etch and rinse (roughen the tooth surface)
Step 3:  apply a thin layer of sealant & set with light, check bite

Your child’s teeth need to last a lifetime. 

Sealants are one of the easiest, most sensible, economical and preventive ways of preserving healthy teeth in young children.

Sealants usually last for years, often into adulthood and closely resemble natural tooth colour.

If you are considering sealants for your child, our dentists at Riverside South Dental Centre would be pleased to share their experience with you.

 

Related Dental Sealants Articles

Dentistry and Oral Health - Dear Doctor Magazine Sealants for Children
The tiny grooves in your child’s back teeth are ideal places for cavities to form. But you can take a proactive role in preventing this with dental sealants. These are protective plastic resin coatings placed in these tiny pits and fissures of teeth, actually sealing them from attack. It’s a wonderful method of decay prevention that every parent should consider… Read Article

Tooth Decay - Dear Doctor MagazineWhat is Tooth Decay? – And How to Prevent It!
Tooth Decay is an infection, and many people don’t realize that it is preventable. This article is the first in a series about tooth decay, perhaps the number one reason children and adults lose teeth during their lifetime. Explore the causes of tooth decay, its prevention and the relationship to bacteria, sugars and acids… Read Article

Oral Health - Dear Doctor Magazine How to Help Your Child Develop the Best Habits for Oral Health
Proper oral health habits are easy to learn – and lead to behaviors that result in life-long dental health. And the time to begin is as soon as your child’s first baby teeth appear. From tooth-brushing for your toddler to helping your teenager stay away from tobacco, Dear Doctor offers the most important tips for healthy habit formation through childhood and beyond… Read Article

Oral Health - Dear Doctor Magazine Top 10 Oral Health Tips For Children
There’s no need to wait until your baby actually has teeth to lay the foundations for good oral or general health. In fact, good nutrition and oral hygiene can start right away. It is up to you to develop the routines that will help protect your child from tooth decay and other oral health problems. So let’s get started… Read Article