100 S University Blvd. Mobile, AL 36608
Dental Sealants for Children’s Cavity Prevention
The back molars are vital for chewing tough foods and routinely have food debris caught in the crevices. Brushing and flossing these back molars is very important to avoid tooth decay or cavities, but they can be difficult to clean for kids. Molars are prone to cavities, which causes permanent damage to these vital teeth. One pediatric dentistry option to reduce the chance of tooth decay in the back teeth in kids is teeth sealing. At Hollon & Taylor Dental, we offer teeth sealants for kids at our practice in Mobile, AL.
Tooth decay is a constant risk and potential dental problem from the moment the first baby tooth emerges. Natural-occurring bacteria in the mouth feed off food debris and cause damage to the enamel. Brushing away food, plaque and bacteria off the teeth can prevent cavities on the tooth surface; fluoride treatments can help strengthen the enamel to fight off decay. Since molars are harder to keep clean, our dentists at Hollon & Taylor Dental may recommend teeth sealants to protect these back teeth during childhood and adolescence.
What Are Teeth Sealants?
Teeth sealing is a treatment that covers the back molars in a plastic coating. This thin sealant protects the molars from tooth decay by filling in the small crevices on the teeth where food debris and bacteria can hide. The sealant slowly will wear off and is safe when ingested over time.
To complete teeth sealing, the teeth receive a thorough cleaning, and the surface is etched with an acid solution to allow for proper adhesion. Once the teeth are dry, the sealant is painted onto the molars and cured with a special light to harden the coating into place.
Teeth sealants are usually recommended for kids 6-12 that are still learning proper teeth cleaning methods. Most kids only need this treatment once, as it lasts for up to ten years. It is estimated that teeth sealants can reduce molar cavities by up to 80%, reducing damage to these permanent adult teeth.
If you want to help prevent damage to your child’s smile, teeth sealing may be an option for reducing molar cavities. Contact our team at Hollon & Taylor Dental in Mobile, AL, to schedule your child’s next checkup and cleaning. Ask about teeth sealants and whether they may be a wise choice to prevent tooth decay.