What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a highly effective tool for protecting children’s teeth from cavities and decay. If you have kids and are concerned about their dental health and wonder what you can do to help with cavity prevention, we encourage you to keep reading to learn more about what dental sealants are and how they work to help prevent cavities.

A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of a child’s back teeth to prevent tooth decay. The sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth. Although thorough brushing and flossing can remove food particles and plaque from the smooth surfaces of teeth, children cannot always reach all the areas of the back teeth to remove all food particles.

Sealants protect vulnerable areas of teeth from decay by sealing out plaque and food. While a dental sealant is not meant to replace good oral hygiene, it can give your children’s teeth the extra protection they need to keep cavities at bay. Brushing, flossing, and twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings will help ensure your child’s oral health reaches optimal.

Educating our young patients from their first visit will help make them mindful of their dental hygiene habits throughout life. If your child has not been to a dentist and is overdue for their first visit, please don’t hesitate to schedule their new patient appointment today.

The Dental Sealant Process

The five steps of applying dental sealant are pretty much standard in all dental practices; here is what you can expect at Family Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry in Jacksonville, NC:

  • Teeth are cleaned and dried: Our dentist and his team will thoroughly clean each tooth receiving the dental sealant. After cleaning, each tooth is dried, and cotton or similar material is placed around each tooth to keep it dry.
  • The solution is placed on teeth: Next, the dentist will apply an acidic solution, which helps the tooth sealant bond to the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars. This painless step does not affect the dental enamel, so the tooth will still look natural after the sealant material wears away in five to ten years (each patient’s sealant longevity varies).
  • Teeth are rinsed and dried: The tooth is rinsed again and then dried to ensure it is clean and ready for the dental sealant to be applied.
  • Sealant is spread on the teeth: After the tooth is rinsed, dried, and roughened with the acidic solution, the next step is to spread the sealant over it. This coating is a thin film that serves as a layer of protection over the enamel without compromising the teeth’ appearance.
  • Curing light hardens the sealant over the tooth: The last step is to harden the dental sealant with a curing light, which allows for a strong, stable hold and reduces the chance of problems that might require another application of tooth sealant.

Prevention is Crucial for Optimal Dental Health

Helping parents and children establish good oral care habits reduces the chances of tooth decay later in life. In addition to providing checkups and dental cleanings, we apply dental sealants and topical fluoride to youngsters’ teeth. We are happy to teach children of all ages (and their parents, too!) good brushing and flossing techniques.

Learn More About Jacksonville Dental Sealants

If you live in or around Jacksonville, NC, please call us to schedule your child’s dental appointment at (910) 353-5171. You may also fill out our online contact form, and one of our team members will reach out to answer any questions you may have or assist with scheduling. We see children as young as one year or within six months of getting their first tooth, whichever comes first. The sooner your child feels like they have a “dental home,” the better their oral hygiene will be.