Dental Sealants

Dental Sealants in North Highlands,CA Teaching a child good oral hygiene habits is one of the many challenges of being a parent. After all, for most children, it’s a chore to have to brush and floss their teeth every day. Since children have the highest risk for developing cavities, however, this hard work should be worth it. To give them an added level of protection, consider having dental sealants applied in North Highlands. We are happy to offer this preventive dentistry service at Watt Antelope Family Dentist.

What are dental sealants?

Just as the name implies, dental sealants seal in the teeth. They form a plastic covering on the teeth and create a barrier between the tooth surfaces and any harmful substances in the mouth, including food debris (particularly sugar) and plaque.

Why are they recommended for children?

Because children are just starting to establish their oral hygiene habits (brushing and flossing), they may not be as thorough as adults yet. This can leave certain areas of their mouths vulnerable to decay, namely, the areas in the back of the mouth. Dental sealants are most commonly applied to the chewing surface of the back molars to keep them protected. Sealants don’t make a tooth completely immune to decay, but they have shown to reduce the risk of decay by almost 80 percent in the molars.

How are sealants applied?

It’s a very quick and simple process to have sealants applied, and it is usually completed following a routine cleaning. After the child’s teeth have been cleaned and dried, the dentist at Watt Antelope Family Dentist will apply a mildly acidic gel on the teeth being treated to roughen them up slightly in order to create a stronger bond with the sealants. The acidic solution will then be rinsed off, and the sealants applied to the teeth. They are hardened using a special light.

How long do sealants last?

Dental sealants can last for several years. During routine check-ups, your dentist will check on the condition of the sealants and reapply them as needed. They are recommended for children between the ages of six and 11.

Visit us at Watt Antelope Family Dentist for dental sealants to give your child an extra level of protection against tooth decay in North Highlands.