If we told you there was a way to protect your child’s teeth with minimal effort, would you be interested? Of course! Our lives are busier than ever and finding time for extra dental appointments is often a challenge. Between school, sports, travel, and family time – there is often no such thing as “extra time.” Taking your children to the dentist at least once a year is an important step in helping them achieve and maintain a healthy smile. But, did you know there is something else you can do to easily protect your children’s teeth, and it won’t take any extra time away from your busy life.
Dental sealants are a simple way to protect the back molars where cavities and decay most often occur. Once they are applied to the back teeth, your children will have an easier time cleaning these teeth and sealing out decay.
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are applied to the back teeth. The most significant characteristic of the molars is that they are extremely rough-textured. This texture is essential for chewing and breaking down food into small particles that are easy to swallow. Yet, what makes these teeth rough-textured is that they are comprised of many deep pits and grooves. Food particles, sugars, and bacteria are easily trapped in these deep pits; but they are not easily cleaned out of these pits.
Dental sealants provide protection from harmful substances becoming trapped in the molars. Once the back teeth are thoroughly cleaned and dried, dental sealants can be applied right after a cleaning appointment. The sealants are simply painted on and hardened with a special curing light that creates a bond between the sealant and the tooth enamel. Once in place, dental sealants offer protection against decay for 2-4 years without you or your child having to do anything more than regular oral hygiene.
At Peninsula Dentistry, we want to help your children maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for life. We know that proper oral health begins at an early age, and we want to partner with you. Call today to schedule an appointment.
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