Superhero Shields for Tiny Teeth
At times, brushing may not be sufficient, particularly for reaching the difficult spots in your child's mouth. Toothbrushes struggle to access the small cracks and grooves on teeth, which can lead to tooth decay if ignored. Sealants provide additional protection against decay and aid in cavity prevention for your child's teeth.
Dental sealants are a protective coating made of plastic resins that are applied to the deep grooves on the surface of teeth. This smooths out the grooves, making it harder for plaque to build up. Sealants make brushing easier and more effective in preventing tooth decay.
Sealants are usually applied to children's permanent teeth as a preventive measure against cavities. While it is more common to seal permanent teeth, the decision to apply sealants is based on each individual's unique needs as recommended by the dentist.
Sealants typically last three to five years, but some adults still have sealants from childhood. It is important to keep sealants intact for them to be effective, so if they come off, it is important to inform the dentist and schedule a re-sealing appointment for your child's teeth.