Everyone wants a healthy smile that stays bright and strong. Sometimes, brushing and flossing are not enough to stop cavities from forming in the tiny cracks of back teeth. Dental sealants for kids are a popular way to keep germs away from molars. If you have ever looked at the teeth in the very back of your mouth, you probably noticed deep grooves and bumps. Those grooves help grind up food, but they are also perfect hiding spots for sugar and bacteria.
What Exactly Are Dental Sealants?
Think about the way a raincoat keeps clothes dry during a storm. A dental sealant works the same way for a tooth. It is a thin, plastic coating that a dental professional paints onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Once the liquid plastic hardens, it fills in those deep “valleys” on the tooth.
By filling in these spots, the sealant creates a smooth, flat surface. This protective layer makes it much harder for food to get stuck and much easier for a toothbrush to wipe away any leftover snacks. Instead of sugar sitting inside a deep crack, it simply slides off the protective shield.
Why Are the Back Teeth So Special?
The back teeth, or molars, are the most likely spots for cavities. Most cavities in children happen on these chewing surfaces. Because molars have so many nooks and crannies, even the most careful brushers can miss a spot. The bristles of a toothbrush are often too thick to reach the bottom of the skinniest grooves. When food stays in those spots, it turns into acid, and that acid eats away at the tooth. Applying dental sealants near you is a smart way to stop that acid before it even starts.
The Easy Process: How It Is Done
Many people feel nervous about sitting in a dental chair, but getting sealants is one of the easiest treatments possible. There are no needles, no drills, and no pain. Here is how the process works step-by-step:
- Cleaning: The tooth is cleaned thoroughly to make sure no germs are trapped under the plastic.
- Drying: The tooth must stay dry so the coating sticks perfectly. Cotton is usually placed around the tooth to keep saliva away.
- Etching: A special gel is placed on the tooth for a few seconds. This gel makes the surface slightly rough, which helps the sealant bond tightly.
- Rinsing: The gel is washed away, and the tooth is dried again.
- Sealing: The liquid sealant is painted onto the enamel.
- Curing: A special blue light is held over the tooth for about thirty seconds. This light makes the liquid turn into a hard, solid shield instantly.
Incredible Benefits of Dental Sealants
There are many reasons why parents love these protective coatings. One of the biggest benefits of dental sealants is that they can stop up to 80% of cavities in the back teeth for the first two years. Even after four years, they still protect against 50% of decay.
Other perks include:
- Invisible Protection: The plastic is usually clear or tooth-coloured, so nobody will know it is there.
- Saving Money: It is much cheaper to get a sealant than it is to pay for a filling or a root canal later on.
- No Discomfort: Since the process is so simple, it is a great way for children to have a positive experience at the clinic.
- Long-Lasting: With proper care, these shields can stay on teeth for nine years or longer.
Who Should Get Sealants?
Children and teenagers are the most common candidates because their permanent molars usually come in around ages six and twelve. Getting the coating on as soon as the tooth appears ensures the tooth stays healthy from the very beginning. However, adults can get them too! If an adult has molars without any fillings or decay, a sealant can help keep them that way for a lifetime.
Caring for the New Shield
Even with a magic shield, brushing and flossing are still very important. Sealants protect the tops of the teeth, but floss is still needed to clean the sides where teeth touch each other. Drinking water instead of soda and eating healthy snacks like apples or carrots also helps the sealants last a long time. During regular check-ups, a dentist in Westbank will check the sealants to see if they are chipped. If a small piece wears down, adding a new layer is very fast and easy.
Give Your Smile the Ultimate Armour!
At Westbank Dental & Implant Centre, we believe that preventing a cavity is always better than fixing one. Our team is dedicated to keeping your family’s teeth strong and healthy with gentle care. If you want to ensure your child has the ideal protection against decay, we are here to help. Our clinic uses the latest techniques to make sure every visit is comfortable and fun.
Contact Westbank Dental & Implant Centre today to schedule an appointment. Let us help you keep that beautiful smile shining bright for years to come!
FAQs
- Does getting a sealant hurt?
Not at all! There is no drilling or removal of the tooth structure. The process is as simple as painting a fingernail. Most kids find the process very easy and fast. - Can you feel the sealant when you eat?
The coating is very thin. You might notice it with your tongue for a few hours, but your bite will feel completely normal almost immediately. - How long do sealants last?
Sealants are very strong and can last for many years. During a regular check-up, a dentist will check to see if they are still in place. If one gets worn down, it can be touched up easily. - Do I still need to use fluoride?
Yes! Sealants protect the chewing surfaces, but fluoride protects the entire tooth. Using both together gives your smile the strongest possible defence against cavities.