Does Your Child Need Dental Sealants?

Even the most conscientious parent can’t watch over their child every minute of the day. And even if you’ve taught your little ones to brush and floss regularly, there may still be those times when they forget. Fortunately, your dentist in Sugar Land, TX, has a backup plan — at least for those hard-to-reach back molars. Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings that help guard against decay when your child forgets to brush. As a parent, there are things you need to know about dental sealants.

Dental Sealants Reduce the Risk of Cavities

Dental sealants can reduce the risk of tooth decay by as much as 80 percent, says the American Dental Association. School-age children who don’t have dental sealants have roughly three times more instances of cavities than children who do have them. That’s an impressive number. And because tooth decay can lead to painful toothaches, chronic bad breath, and other negative outcomes, you’ll want to help your child avoid it as much as possible. That’s where dental sealants can help.

Dental Sealants Are Made of Medical-Grade Resin

Dental sealants are made of medical-grade resin. This is similar to the material your dentist uses to fill your tooth. They’re applied using a brush and then hardened off using an LED blue light. Once cured, they protect the delicate enamel of teeth from damage and decay for several years. Your child will still need to brush and floss regularly, and you’ll want to keep regular appointments with your pediatric dentist. But the sealants add an extra layer of protection for those lumpy and bumpy back molars that are so hard to clean. 

Dental Sealants Are Safe

Dental sealants are safe for use in children and adults. Modern versions are BPA-free, and they’re applied in such a way that the liquid runs into little cracks and crevices in your child’s molars. This effectively ‘seals’ them from the food debris that causes tooth decay. 

If you’d like more information on the many benefits of dental sealants in Sugar Land, TX, call First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today. Our friendly and experienced team will be happy to schedule a time that’s convenient for you.