Since children need time to perfect their oral health routine, many parents worry about them developing cavities. Fortunately, dentists have plenty of options for minimizing the risk of kids' cavities before they start, including dental sealants. Here's what you need to know so you can ask about them at your child's next appointment.

What Are Dental Sealants? 

Often fashioned from plastic, dental sealants are coverings that fit the precise shape of your child’s teeth. First, the dentist performs a teeth cleaning, then applies a solution to the top of the teeth so that the sealant will bond to them. After that, they’re coated with the sealant and hardened with a blue curing light. Sealants are most appropriate for kids who are growing their adult teeth. However, they can also be useful for baby teeth if they have particularly deep grooves, which are more susceptible to decay. 

How Do Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities? 

Dental sealants act as a shield against decay. Leftover food particles are repelled from the sealant that conceals the teeth, much like the way a raincoat keeps you from getting wet.

With the protection of sealants, the bacteria can’t eat the sugar that many foods leave stuck to the teeth, which would normally allow them to create the acid that causes kids’ cavities. Although your child should still brush and floss regularly to ensure that no food remnants get stuck between the teeth or other areas, sealants are highly effective at keeping most plaque off the most vulnerable parts of the teeth. Most sealants last for about 10 years, though you would need to visit a dentist regularly to ensure that they’re still in good condition.  

If you’d like to explore dental sealants for your kids’ cavities, Discovery Dental in Eagle River, AK, can help. As specialists in pediatric dentistry, they not only offer a host of preventative services, but they provide important sedation surgeries that promote your kids’ oral health, even for emergency situations. They strive to make each child feel safe so that every visit is enjoyable. Make an appointment today by calling (907) 622-5437. Check out their dental solutions and services by visiting them online.