Protective Dental Sealants
Shielding Teeth From Cavities
At Central Park Pediatric Dentistry, our team is dedicated to protecting your child’s smile for beautiful, healthy teeth for years to come. In addition to practicing good oral hygiene habits at home, we can apply protective dental sealants to the teeth in order to ward off tooth decay, which can lead to cavities. In our office, dental sealant treatment is a quick, non-invasive treatment, during which we ensure your child feels safe, comfortable and anxiety-free.
What Are Protective Dental Sealants?
Protective dental sealants are made from a thin coating that is applied to the surfaces of a child’s back molars. This coating, typically made from plastic or resin, shields the tooth from food particles that turn to bacteria, therefore helping prevent cavities from forming. Because of the shape of the back molars, which are often pitted and grooved, they are especially susceptible to trapping food. Because of this and their location in the back of the mouth, it can be difficult to reach and brush away food particles, making them especially susceptible to cavities.
When Should My Child Get A Sealant?
Dr. Johnson and Dr. Parker will typically want to apply protective dental sealants right when the molars come in. This will be whenever the first permanent molars erupt between the ages of five and seven. When the second permanent molars come in can vary from anywhere between 11 and 14. However, our team may also recommend applying sealants to other, particularly pitted or grooved teeth, including baby teeth, depending on your child’s needs.
What Is A Cavity?
A cavity begins as dental plaque, which is a sticky substance caused by bacteria that collects on the tooth. That plaque that hardens forms tartar, which is harder to remove. From there, the plaque produces acid and attacks the tooth, wearing down and removing the tooth’s enamel and creating tiny holes—this is a cavity. When a protective dental sealant is applied, it keeps food and bacteria from settling into a tooth. Sealants can even cause what may have become a small cavity to stop in its tracks when placed over early signs of decay, making them an effective method of cavity treatment.
What To Expect At Your Child’s Dental Sealant Treatment
Luckily, applying protective dental sealants is easy and painless! First, our dental team will help your child feel comfortable and explain what they are going to do in kid-friendly terms. Here is what you need to know about the process:
Taking Care Of Your Child's Sealants
With the proper care such as brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, protective dental sealants can last for many years. Sealants are clear, so our dentists will easily see the tooth and make sure that the sealant is working. If they notice a chip or that the sealant has worn away, our dentists can apply additional coating as needed, which is why we recommend bringing your child in for routine check-ups every 6 months.
Request Your Child’s Dental Appointment In Austin, TX
When it comes to protecting your child’s teeth from cavities, it is never too early to start! Even if your child has never had a cavity, we recommend protective dental sealants as an extra level of protection against tooth decay. Our team at Central Park Pediatric Dentistry is dedicated to helping your child grow healthy, resilient teeth that will carry them through childhood into adulthood. Request your child’s visit with us in Central Austin, Steiner Ranch, or Dripping Springs by completing our online form.
Growing Little Smiles
Your Child’s Dental Home In Austin, TX
At Central Park Pediatric Dentistry, we take pride in delivering a unique pediatric dental experience that truly sets us apart. Our engaging and friendly approach ensures that each visit is enjoyable for kids, helping them feel comfortable while emphasizing the importance of good oral health. As a family-owned practice, we appreciate the need for convenience and offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate your busy life.
Caring & Compassionate Pediatric Dental Services