Dental sealants are a quick, easy, and relatively cheap solution for preventing cavities. Since the young kids are more easily prone for sweet tooth, it’s best to have them sealed with sealants to prevent decay formation.

WHAT ARE DENTAL SEALANTS?
Sealants are a kind of plastic material that is placed in the grooves and pits and fissures of the chewing surfaces of your teeth. These are done particularly in the permanent molars at the back, because they are the first permanent tooth to erupt and kids tooth brushes do not reach the depth of the grooves to keep them clean.

DOES MY CHILD NEED DENTAL SEALANTS?
Kids are playful and not very systematic brushers. They love to eat sweets and tend to ignore brushing in the back of the mouth that lead to cavities and decay. The permanent molars are the first one to erupt as early as 6 years and many of them are aware of its presence in the mouth. Its best recommended to use dental sealants as soon as the first permanent molars are seen erupting in the mouth.

Those who are more susceptible to cavities and decay, either because they are genetically prone to cavities, have poor oral hygiene habits, or dental care should consider getting dental sealants as a preventive measure.

HOW DO DENTAL SEALANTS WORK?
Dental sealants the word by itself is self-explanatory. They are done to seal and smoothen the grooves and fissures on the tooth surface. This smooth surface, prevents food from sticking to the grooves and thereby preventing decay and cavities.

HOW LONG DO DENTAL SEALANTS LAST?
Dental sealants can protect the teeth for up to 10 years, but it is recommended to be checked and maintained frequently by a dentist for cracks or damage. If dental sealants are worn down or broken, it is possible for decay to get under the sealant. They are found to be very effective, if they are taken care and followed upon properly. They are very cost effective and cheap mode of treatment.

ARE DENTAL SEALANTS SAFE?
The resin material used as a sealant are found to contain BPA. Although BPA has some evidence that it is harmful to child’s health, the results are not conclusive. But BPA free sealants are available. BPA free sealants are safer and recommended to be used.

Have queries whether your child would benefit from placing sealants on their molars? Call us at Oris Dental Centre for a consultation.

HOW ARE DENTAL SEALANTS APPLIED?
The application process is simple and usually takes five or ten minutes. The teeth that will be sealed are thoroughly cleaned and dried. The chewing surfaces are roughened with an etching solution that helps the sealants adhere to the teeth. Next the sealant is “painted” onto the tooth and a curing light is used to harden it. Sealants last for several years, but they need to be followed up every six months.

Getting sealants is not painful and most children have no problem with the process. They just have to stay still and have their mouth propped open, while the sealants are being applied.

Do visit us at Oris Dental Centre for more details and enquiries on dental sealants.

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