While cavities are one of the most common dental disorders affecting both children and adults, it is also a problem that can be prevented with proper brushing and flossing. Of course, brushing those back teeth can be rather challenging, as food and plaque can easily get trapped within those nooks and crannies found on the chewing surfaces of these molars. Luckily, our Cockeysville, MD, dentists have a simple solution for sealing out plaque and protecting those teeth from decay: dental sealants.

What Are Dental Sealants?

These thin, plastic coatings are applied to the chewing surface of your child’s molars to provide a protective barrier from which to seal out bacteria and food from sticking to those ridges and areas of the teeth that are more challenging to clean.

Once dental sealants are applied, they can protect your child’s teeth from about 80 percent of cavities for the first two years, and remain 50 percent effective for up to four. Some dental sealants have even been effective for up to nine years or more with the proper care.

How Are Dental Sealants Placed?

Getting a dental sealant from our Cockeysville, MD, general dentist is extremely simple and painless. There is absolutely nothing invasive about getting a dental sealant, so your child won’t have to worry about dental drills, needles, or anesthesia. Here are the steps involved in getting a dental sealant

1. Your child’s teeth will be thoroughly cleaned to remove any plaque or tartar
2. A solution is applied to the molars to roughen the chewing surfaces and make the sealant stick more easily
3. The solution is removed and the teeth are dried
4. The sealant is painted on these back teeth
5. A special light is directed over the tooth to harden the sealant into place

My Child Gets Fluoride Treatment. Do They Need Dental Sealants, Too?

While fluoride is important for preventing decay and keeping teeth enamel healthy, dental sealants provide other health benefits, as well. This is why children and teens should get dental sealants once their permanent molars come in. While fluoride treatment may reduce the formation of decay, dental sealants can actually prevent bacteria and food from getting stuck in those deep grooves.

Intrigued? Contact Us Today!

Are you interested in getting dental sealants for your child or teen? If so, give Padonia Dental Associates in Cockeysville, MD, a call today at (410) 560-1400. We would be happy to place sealants as soon as possible or during your child’s next dental cleaning. Let’s work together to keep your child’s smile cavity-free.