Next month is National Children’s Dental Health Month. This year, the theme is “Sealants Make Sense”. In this article, we’re going to explain what sealants are, how they can help protect teeth, and when is a good time to get dental sealants on teeth.
1. What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are a way to protect teeth against decay. Sealants can be made of resin composite or plastic, which will adhere to the chewing surface of back teeth. They can prevent cavities from developing and even stop early-stage tooth decay from turning into a full-blown cavity.
2. How do dental sealants protect teeth?
Dental sealants work because they fill the grooves and depressions on a tooth that contain tiny holes (pores) and fissures. Dental sealants keep food and plaque from getting into the pores and fissures, protecting your teeth from decay. Dental sealants can also be applied to the deeper grooves of a tooth, called pits and fissures. Both children and adults may benefit from dental sealants.
3. When can dental sealants be applied to teeth?
It’s a good idea to ask us about the best time to apply dental sealants either for yourself or for your children. We can help advise the most appropriate window of time where your children will have the largest benefit. One thing is clear, however, sealants make a difference in protecting teeth from cavities. The CDC reports that children who do not have sealants develop nearly three times as many cavities as those who do.
Dental sealants can be an important part of protecting teeth, and setting your children up for a lifetime of good dental health. Dental sealants are easy to apply, and it just makes sense to protect teeth rather than to repair teeth after cavities have set in. Plus, this just makes your children’s experience at the dentist so much more enjoyable.
We’re here for you and your kids!
Dental health is so important, and at Hanson Dental, we want you to know that you can trust us to provide you with the information you need about protecting teeth through sealants and maintaining your oral health in general. From family dentistry, to children’s dentistry, and even orthodontics, we will help give you the healthy and bright smile you deserve.
Thinking that dental sealants might be beneficial to your children? We suggest you read this article to help prepare for their first dental visit and then give us a call to make an appointment!
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