Protecting Your Child’s Teeth with Dental Sealants

As parents, we work hard at taking care of our kids in order to keep them healthy and safe. We also pester them about brushing and flossing their teeth every day in an effort to keep decay and cavities at bay. While proper brushing and flossing habits are certainly vital for a healthy mouth, there are other Boise dental options like dental sealants that can provide a little extra protection against cavities and decay. That’s why Summit Dental Group would like to take this time to provide you with a little information about this treatment and why it’s important when it comes to your little one’s smile.

What are dental sealants?

A dental sealant is a thin layer of plastic that is applied to areas like the back teeth that are used for chewing. Just like knights wearing armor to protect them from injury, your Boise dentist places dental sealants onto teeth to protect them from cavities and decay. Dental sealants act as protective barriers to keep food, plaque, and bacteria away from tooth enamel.

Who should get dental sealants?

Since decay can happen early on in life, we highly recommend that children and teenagers get dental sealants. Dental sealants are often placed on permanent molars as soon as they come in (erupt). However, this can also be an effective form of protection for adults, as well. After all, who doesn’t want to protect their teeth from cavities?

What does the process entail?

Dental sealants are strong and durable and can stand up to hard chewing forces. The process of getting dental sealants is painless and simple. Our Boise dentists will apply the sealants by painting them onto your child’s molars. Once painted on, the sealant will bond with the tooth’s enamel and begin to harden.

What to expect after a dental sealant treatment

Once your child’s teeth are sealed, they are free to eat and drink what they like. However, when they first bite into something, it may feel a bit odd, but that feeling will soon go away. After a few days, they won’t even know the sealants are on their teeth.

How long do dental sealants last?

While every patient is different, dental sealants can effectively seal teeth for up to ten years. Your Boise dentist will check the quality of the sealants when your child goes in for their routine dental exams. If one is chipped or damaged, it can easily be replaced. As long as the sealants are undamaged, they will protect your child’s teeth against decay and plaque.

Dental sealants are a wonderful preventive measure for protecting your child’s smile. Here at Summit Dental, our Boise dentists would be more than happy to talk with you during your next visit about keeping your child’s smile healthy with this simple procedure. Contact us by filling out our online form or give our Boise office a call at (208) 314-2275.