Sealants
At Smiling Faces Pediatric Dentistry, we provide dental sealants for children in Midwest City, OK. Preventative dentistry is even more effective for kids. Since they haven’t yet been exposed to all the things that can cause dental decay, there’s still a great opportunity to prevent this from happening in the first place. Dental sealants are a quick and painless way to give your little one a head start on a lifetime of healthy smiles.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealant is a liquid, thin plastic coating that’s applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. It provides a barrier between your child’s natural teeth and the bacteria and food debris that can cause harm. The teeth have natural grooves and crevices, where bacteria and food debris tend to settle. Dental sealants not only make a barrier, but they smooth the surface so that there are fewer grooves and crevices for bacteria and food debris to hide.
Why Sealants are Recommended for Children
Children are not always thorough when it comes to brushing and flossing, making them more susceptible to cavities. Dental sealants provide an extra layer of protection, especially during the cavity-prone ages of 6 to 14. They’re an excellent preventative measure that complements regular dental hygiene practices, potentially reducing the risk of decay by up to 80%.
The Application Process
The process of applying dental sealants is quick, simple, and pain-free. First, the teeth are professionally cleaned. They are then air-dried. After that, there’s an application of an acidic gel. This mildly sands the tooth surface to enable better adhesion with the dental sealants. After a few minutes, the gel is rinsed away, and the teeth are dried again. Finally, the dental sealant is painted onto the enamel of the teeth. A special curing light is used to harden the sealant. The whole process takes very little time and is completely pain-free and non-invasive.
Your dentist in Midwest City, OK, can tell you more about the process of getting dental sealants for your child. Contact us today to book your appointment.
