Share:

It’s hard for many children to get into all the tight spaces in their mouths and clean their teeth properly. While a regular teeth cleaning will help, dental sealants for kids do even more to keep cavities at bay. To help you better understand what sealants can do, check out the following guide from pediatric dentist Discovery Dental in Eagle River, AK.

A Brief Guide to Kids Dental Sealants 

What Are Dental Sealants for Kids?

dental sealants for kidsDental sealants are designed to be a protective barrier for the teeth they are applied to. Instead of allowing food and bacteria in the mouth to penetrate the surface of a tooth and create a cavity, the sealant will keep the tooth safe.

While sealants are a great start, children still need to exercise proper oral hygiene routines to maintain healthy smiles. Children also need to see the dentist every six months for a regular teeth cleaning and evaluation. At each visit, their dentist will inspect the sealants and make sure they have remained intact. If they are starting to fade, the sealants can be reapplied.

What Teeth Need Sealants & When?

Sealants are typically applied to the back molars, as they are the hardest for children to reach and clean. Once adult teeth erupt, the sealants should be in place. On average, this is around age six. The process is relatively simple and only takes a few minutes. After cleaning your child’s teeth, the hygienist or dentist will prep the tooth and apply the thin coating to its grooves. Then, a special light can be used to harden the material and keep it in place. It’s a pain-free procedure that delivers lasting results and protection.

When it comes to your child’s teeth, dental sealants give cavity-free checkups a fighting chance. These applications can protect their smile and reduce the onset of decay. To find out more about dental sealants for kids, speak to one of the providers at Discovery Dental in Eagle River, AK. You can visit them online or call (807) 622-5437.

tracking