Sealed and Protected

As a parent, you are always looking for ways to make your child’s health a priority. And, not only do children find it more challenging to brush and floss effectively, but they are more prone to accidents, risking chips and cracks. Not to mention, the enamel on their baby teeth is naturally thinner, making them more susceptible to tooth decay.

It’s impossible to wrap them in cotton wool, but when it comes to their teeth, you may want to consider dental sealants as a way to help protect their molars. Dental sealants are a way of adding an extra layer of protection to your child’s back teeth to help keep cavities away. The dental team at Pediatric Dental Specialists in Kearney, Nebraska, is here to answer any questions you may have about your child’s dental health and provide advice on whether or not they may need dental sealants in the future to give added protection to their teeth.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating that is painted onto the back teeth to help protect them from cavities. The sealants can be made from resins or glass isomers, and they are applied to your child’s molars.

Your child’s molars and premolars are the most susceptible to cavities because they are harder to reach while brushing. A dental sealant is a protective layer applied to the chewing surfaces of their back teeth that acts as a barrier against food particles and bacteria, which are common causes of cavities. Applying dental sealants causes no harm or pain to your child and can be done during a biannual dental checkup.

Why are dental sealants important?

Your child’s teeth are an important part of their body, and you want to make sure they are protected just like the rest of their health. The purpose of dental sealants is to provide a layer of protection against cavities. Dental sealants are applied to teeth and areas that can be hard to reach when brushing.

With the extra layer of protection, a dental sealant can help to keep cavities away. This can help preserve your child’s teeth and keep them healthy for years to come.

What can be expected during the appointment?

Once you and your dentist have decided on dental sealants for your child, you may be curious about the procedure.

Dental sealants can be applied in just one visit at the Pediatric Dental Specialists office, after their biannual checkup.

First, your child’s teeth will be cleaned thoroughly. This ensures that all bacteria and any food particles have been cleared away. After that, the front of the teeth are dried with a piece of gauze, and then the dentist applies a solution to the teeth to roughen up the surface. While this might sound counterproductive, the roughed-up surface makes it easier for the sealant to bond, allowing the sealant to work more efficiently. Your child’s teeth will be rinsed and dried once again, followed by the application of the dental sealant itself. After the sealant is applied, a special light is used to harden the sealant to make sure it has bonded with the teeth. And that’s it!

The procedure is done in minutes and causes your child no pain or discomfort at all.

Who benefits the most from dental sealants?

Dental sealants are ideal for children who may be more susceptible to cavities, especially those that have deep grooves in their teeth, where bacteria can hide more easily. These areas tend to be more prone to cavities because they are harder to brush. Some children may have difficulty brushing their molars efficiently, so a dental sealant helps provide an extra layer of protection.

When discussing dental sealants with your Kearney kids dental specialists, they will recommend a time when getting the sealants would be more efficient. Dentists usually wait until your child’s permanent, or adult, molars come in, which is around age six or seven, but they may advise that your child get sealants on their baby teeth as well.

Contact Pediatric Dental Specialists today!

Your child’s oral health is important, and that’s why the team at Pediatric Dental Specialists focus solely on children’s dental care. We are passionate about children’s dentistry and want to make sure your little one is always putting their best smile forward, which is why our team often recommends dental sealants for our young patients. If you are interested in learning more about dental sealants, how they work, and if they would be beneficial for your child, give Pediatric Dental Specialists in Kearney a call today to schedule an appointment. We can’t wait to see you!