At Memorial Children’s Dentistry, we use dental sealants to protect, guard, and defend teeth against cavities. Dental sealants are especially useful as a preventative measure.
A dental sealant is a plastic coating that is brushed onto the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. They are used to prevent food and plaque buildup. They do so by sealing the ridges on the chewing surfaces of the teeth, specifically the back molars. By reducing the surface area where food has the potential to get caught, the risk for cavities is lessened.
Children are the most common recipients of dental sealants since permanent molars erupt around age 6. Dental sealants are used as a preventative measure to help keep your child’s smile bright and healthy. However, dental sealants do not cure all dental problems since they only cover the chewing areas of your teeth. Therefore, regular teeth cleanings are still a necessity and should be performed regularly.
Good oral hygiene should be practiced at home. If your children are very young, you should supervise how your children are taking care of their teeth. This includes making sure your child is brushing, flossing, and eating healthy.
Certain behaviors may wear down dental sealants, so it is important to be vigilant about repetitive biting on items such as nails, writing utensils, and ice. The procedure is simple, quick, and easy for children.
When you visit our office in Houston, Texas, we will be happy to provide you with more information about dental sealants and preventative care. At Memorial Children’s Dentistry, our goal is to see your child smiling brightly. Call our office for more information, or schedule an appointment online today.