Sealants
Keeping Little Smiles Shipshape
Children’s teeth are the most susceptible to cavities and decay. Because their enamel is thinner and less resistant, like sea shells in rough waves, it can wear away and demineralize much quicker than the enamel on adult teeth. Too much decay to the baby teeth can not only cause pain and discomfort for your child, but also create choppy waters for the permanent teeth waiting just beneath the surface. If Dr. Skip, Dr. Stephanie or Dr. Katie determines your child is at risk for cavities or tooth decay, then sealants may be a wonderful option to strengthen your child’s teeth, battening down the hatches for any storm their smile may need to weather and help them sail smoothly toward a lifetime of healthy habits.
What Are Sealants?
Sealants are thin, protective coatings that Dr. Skip, Dr. Stephanie or Dr. Katie gently brush onto the surface of your child’s teeth—a clear coat of protection against the tides. This smooth barrier acts as a shield against cavity-causing bacteria and sugary “storms,” helping to protect against tooth decay while keeping their smiles strong, bright and ready to shine like seashells in the sun.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Sealants?
Baby teeth and newly erupted molars are the most susceptible to tooth decay and cavities, especially those with deep grooves and tiny “coves” where bacteria love to hide. These deep areas can be hard to clean when brushing, allowing bacteria to settle in and create acid. Over time, this acid wears away the tooth’s natural defenses, like waves slowly eroding a shoreline, weakening the enamel and leaving the tooth vulnerable to decay and cavities.
How Can Sealants Protect My Child’s Teeth?
If Dr. Skip, Dr. Stephanie or Dr. Katie recommend sealants for your child’s teeth, there are a plethora of benefits and ways they protect their teeth. Think of them as a smooth, invisible shield—a barrier against rough waves of decay. You can rest assured knowing that your child’s smile is in the best of hands and safely anchored against future cavities. Here are just a few ways they help keep your child’s teeth strong, healthy and cavity-free:
How Are Sealants Applied?
The process is easy as a calm day on the water. Here are the steps our pediatric dentist will take:
- Your child’s teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and dried, prepping them like a ship before setting sail and getting them ready for the sealant application.
- We’ll apply an acidic gel to the tooth, conditioning it so the sealant will bond to the tooth.
- Then we will rinse the gel off and dry the tooth again.
- Our pediatric dentist will paint the sealant onto the surface of the tooth, ensuring to cover all grooves and divots.
- Lastly, our pediatric dentist will use a special light to harden the sealant—locking in a smooth, strong surface ready to weather any waves of sugar or bacteria.
And that’s it! The procedure is quick and painless, and your child will walk away with teeth as strong and steady as a lighthouse against the tide.
Common Questions
At Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry, we want to ensure you feel confident and informed when making any decisions regarding your child’s oral health. We have compiled a list of the most common questions we receive about sealants, helping you navigate your child’s care with smooth sailing ahead.
Catching Waves, Creating Smiles