Why dental sealants are so great for kids

We love our kids and our kids love sugar. Unfortunately, so do the bacteria in dental plaque. It thrives on it, and then releases acids that cause tooth decay. Kids get just as much tooth decay as ever, and that’s why we offer a way to protect their teeth, with the application of dental sealants.

This is a relatively new dental procedure, and as such, you may be unaware of the benefits it can offer to your children.

Dentist in StevenageOur dental team at Smilecraft dentist in Stevenage is committed offering preventive oral care to children and adults. Children’s love affair with sweets and sugary drinks mean they are more prone to tooth decay. With fluoride treatment and dental sealants, we can help prevent tooth decay and stop decay that has not yet reached the centre of the tooth. Our experienced dentist can show you how dental sealants work and answer questions you may have about them. However, let’s get a basic understanding of them here so that you can see what they can do to protect your children’s teeth.

How do dental sealants work?

At your dentist in Stevenage, we paint tooth-coloured dental sealants (also called fissure sealants) directly onto the ridges of the back teeth. These molars are harder to keep clean than teeth nearer the front of the jaw. The sealants act as a protective barrier between tooth enamel and cavity-causing mouth bacteria. When sealants are combined with fluoride treatment and diligent brushing and flossing, your kids teeth stand a much better chance of staying whole and healthy.

Brushing and flossing are still vitally important in preventing tooth decay.  Sealants provide extra protection for those hard-to-reach areas of the mouth and teeth. How many teeth you decide to get sealed will be influenced by your child’s lifestyle and their history of tooth decay. For effective protection, we recommend applying dental sealants as soon as your children’s permanent teeth come through.

At this dentist in Stevenage, we can apply dental sealants in just one visit. Once we have thoroughly examined your children’s teeth, we will give them a really good clean before applying the sealant. Then we harden it with a special light.