Dental sealants are invisible, plastic resin coatings that smooth out the chewing surfaces of back teeth, making them resistant to decay. Our team of caring doctors at Caldwell & Steinbring Dentistry For Children, located in Sugar Land, Texas, can easily examine teeth that need to be sealed, and explain proper care. If you suspect your child may have cavities or simply want to inquire about dental sealants, make an appointment request here.
Why Do Some Children Need Dental Sealants?
Brushing and flossing teeth on a regular basis can help your kids avoid a lot of cavities. However, toothbrush bristles are not always able to reach the creases that reside on the uneven chewing surfaces of the back teeth and are often where cavities are most likely to develop. Dental sealants can help prevent cavities.
Dental Sealants Help Prevent Cavities
Cavities develop for a number of reasons, including genetics and hygiene. If you run your tongue over the teeth in the back of your mouth, you will discover that these areas are not smooth. They actually house many tiny grooves referred to as "pits and fissures," which trap bacteria and food particles. Tooth decay is more prone to develop there because such places are harder to reach with a toothbrush, and because the dark, moist crevices provide ample growing ground for oral bacteria.
Children’s Teeth Are Less Resistant to Decay
A child’s newly erupted permanent teeth are not as resistant to decay as adult teeth because their hard enamel coating needs time to develop. Fluoride, which is found in toothpaste, some drinking water, and in treatments we use here at our dental office can strengthen enamel.
Teeth with sealants are are far less likely to:
- Develop a cavity
- Require more expensive dental treatment later on
- Cause your child pain
As a result of all this, Caldwell & Steinbring Dentistry For Children highly recommends the use of dental sealants to protect your child’s teeth from the damage and decay brought on by elusive bacteria.
How Sealants Are Placed Step-by-Step
- We will examine the tooth or teeth that need to be sealed. If minimal decay is found at this point, it will be gently removed.
- The tooth will then be cleaned and dried.
- We will apply a solution that slightly roughens or "etches" the surface of the tooth, allowing the sealing material to stick better.
- The tooth is rinsed and dried again.
- The sealant is painted on the tooth in liquid form. It will harden after about a minute
- That's it! You’re all done!
How to Care of Sealants
Sealed teeth require the same conscientious dental hygiene as unsealed teeth. Your child should continue to brush and floss his or her teeth daily and visit Caldwell & Steinbring Dentistry For Children at our for regular professional cleanings. This will give us a chance to check for wear on the sealants, which should last for up to 10 years. During this time, your child will benefit from a preventive treatment proven to reduce decay by more than 70 percent.
Is BPA Safe?
While there have been concerns in the past regarding the trace amounts of bisphenol-A (BPA) found in some dental resins and their effect on child behavior, BPA is known to be safe. The authors of the widely covered study published in 2012 noted that the study did not prove that BPA in dental sealants causes any complications. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association have reaffirmed their support for the use of sealants.
Protect Your Child’s Smile Today!
Pediatric dentists recommend the use of sealants to best protect children’s teeth from the decay and damage of hiding bacteria. If you have any questions about sealants, BPA, or other ways to keep your child’s smile healthy, contact us in our office today.
No one knows pediatric dentistry and special needs pediatric dentistry like Caldwell & Steinbring Dentistry For Children. Call us at 281-565-5437 or email us at [email protected]. You can also fill out our online form.
Whether you’re from right here in Sugar Land or from one of our surrounding communities like Rosenberg or Richmond, our team would be happy to help you.