Teeth are most prone for cavities within their first months and years in the mouth. This makes children and teenagers the most likely population to develop decay in the depressions and grooves of the premolars and molars. In addition to routine brushing, flossing and a low sugar diet, research has shown that dental sealants have dramatically decreased the incidence and prevalence of cavities in both children and teens.
What is a dental sealant? It is a thin covering placed on the biting surfaces of the back teeth to prevent cavities. The material is bonded into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, providing a protective barrier that prevents plaque and bacteria from settling and forming cavities.
Even when patients are great brushes and flossers, they often can’t fully remove food and plaque particles from deep in the grooves of the back teeth. The toothbrush bristles just aren’t small enough! This is where sealants come in. This coating can literally “seal out” cavities.
Even better news-sealants are completely safe and healthy for your kids. They are made of a BPA free material and are very simple procedure for your child to sit through. All of the dentists here have them in our mouths and we have placed them in our children’s as well!