Since 1966, Pediatric Dental Group has provided dental care that children, and their parents, can rely on. Everything from the oral health, function, and aesthetics of a child's teeth are of the utmost importance to this pediatric dentistry team. If your child is in need of orthodontics, restoration, and cleaning and prevention dental care, now is the time to visit Oahu's Pediatric Dental Group.

Here, the dentists discuss sealants, one of the most important prevention procedures they perform:

• What is a sealant? Dental sealants are a preventative measure that involves application of a thin, plastic film over the teeth to prevent cavities. The material is mostly applied to pits, fissures, and the chewing surfaces of permanent molars. More than 75% of dental decay begins in these deep grooves.
• How are they applied? Sealants are easily applied and the process only takes a few minutes per tooth. The teeth are first cleaned and surrounded by cotton to keep the area dry. A special solution is applied to the teeth to help the sealant bond with the teeth. The teeth are then rinsed and dried before the sealant is carefully painted onto the enamel surface to cover the deep grooves and depressions.
• How are they effective? Sealants prevent bacteria and small food particles that cause cavities to nestle into gaps in your child's teeth. Even brushing and flossing their teeth regularly cannot prevent bacteria from getting into the deepest grooves.
• When do children get sealants? As soon as their six-year molars (the first permanent back teeth) appear or any time throughout the cavity prone years of 6-16.

Do you want to shield your children’s teeth against cavities? Contact Pediatric Dental Group to discuss dental sealants and other preventative dental care treatments for your child. Call (808) 593-8828 today, and visit the website to learn more about their other pediatric dentistry services, and check out important resources.