Should My Child Get Dental Sealants?

Children are at high risk for problems like cavities, but there are many things your dentist in North Little Rock, AR, can do to help protect your child from this problem. One of the things your child’s dentist can do is paint dental sealants on their teeth.

What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that can be painted on your child’s teeth to protect them from bacteria. They are long-lasting and effective at preventing problems like cavities.

Children in certain age groups are up to three times more likely to develop cavities without dental sealants
Dental sealants cannot be applied to teeth that already have fillings or tooth decay
How Are Dental Sealants Applied?
To apply dental sealants, the dentist will start by cleaning and drying your child’s teeth. The dentist will insert cotton into the mouth and apply an etching solution to the teeth to prepare the tooth enamel for sealants. When the sealant is placed on the teeth, the dentist will shine a curing light into the mouth to dry it.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants can last up to 5 years. The dentist will let you know when your child needs more dental sealants to be applied.

Where Are Dental Sealants Usually Applied?
Dental sealants are usually applied to molars and pre-molars.

Are Dental Sealants Safe?
Dental sealants are believed to be a safe and effective way of helping your child avoid cavities. At Mounts Dental Care, we provide dental sealants in North Little Rock, AR, to patients.

If the dentist has not asked you if you would like dental sealants applied to your child’s teeth, you may ask at the next dental appointment. Call today to make an appointment with your child’s dentist.