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Sealants
 Cavities
are the pits! Have your child's teeth sealed today! Brushing can
not clean the tiny grooves and pits of certain teeth. Sealants will
help keep your child cavity free. Sealants "seal-out" food and plaque,
and reduce the risk of decay.
Q: What are sealants?
A: Sealants protect the surfaces of teeth with grooves and pits,
especially the chewing surfaces of back teeth where most cavities
in children are found. Made of clear or shaded plastic, sealants
are applied to the teeth to help keep them cavity-free.
Q:
How do sealants work?
A: Even if your child brushes and flosses carefully, it is difficult,
sometimes impossible, to clean the tiny grooves and pits on certain
teeth. Food and bacteria build up in these depressions, placing
your child in danger of tooth decay. Sealants "seal out" food and
plaque, thus reducing the risk of decay.
Q:
How long do sealants last?
A: Research shows that sealants can last for many years. So, your
child will be protected throughout the most cavity-prone years.
If your child has good oral hygiene and avoids biting hard objects,
sealants will last longer. Your pediatric dentist can easily replace
or repair a lost or damaged sealant.
Q:
What is the treatment like?
A: The application of a sealant is quick and comfortable. It takes
only one visit. Your pediatric dentist conditions and dries the
tooth, applies the sealant, then allows it to harden.
Q:
How much does it cost?
A: The treatment is very affordable, especially in view of the valuable
decay protection it offers your child. Sealants may be covered by
your dental insurance. Talk to your pediatric dentist about the
exact cost of sealants for your child.
Q:
Which teeth should be sealed?
A: The teeth most at risk of decay, and therefore most in need of
sealants, are the six-year and twelve-year molars. But any tooth
with grooves or pits may benefit from the protection of sealants.
Q:
If my child has sealants, are brushing and flossing still important?
A: Absolutely! Sealants are only one step in the plan to keep your
child cavity-free for a lifetime. Brushing, flossing, and regular
dental visits are still essential to a bright, healthy smile.
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