A staple of children’s dentistry, dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings which are placed most commonly over a patient’s molars. As a family dentist, Dr. Sean Rayment provides this service as one of many procedures he performs to protect his patients from tooth decay. Sealants offer several benefits for the children who receive them.
Resist Tooth Decay
Covering molars with sealants prevent food debris from sticking to teeth. Oral bacteria feed off of these particles, increasing production of harmful acids and causing cavities to develop. . When food cannot stay on teeth because of sealants, the bacteria aren’t able to wear them down.
While patients of any age can benefit from sealants, these coatings are mostly given to children because they are more likely to develop tooth decay.
Easier to Clean
Among other factors, children are more susceptible to tooth decay because they are still learning how to conduct a proper oral hygiene routine. When they brush and floss, they may not be able to remove food particles and plaque from their teeth as effectively as an adult would.
Sealants make it easier for a child to keep their smile healthy. Less effort is needed to remove excessive food, so the fact that a child is still practicing how to brush and floss does not stop them from having clean teeth. This treatment supports your child’s dental and habitual development until they are able to take care of their teeth without assistance.
Long-Lasting Prevention
It may be tempting to underestimate the value of sealants. They do not strengthen teeth like fluoride applications or restore them like stainless steel crowns. What makes this treatment stand out, however, is longevity.
To be effective, fluoride must be reapplied regularly. By the time sealants would naturally wear off or require replacement, a young patient has usually developed the hygiene skills necessary to maintain their teeth on their own. If the child still requires the protection of a sealant, the coatings are easy to reapply, keeping the smile healthy well into adulthood. While stainless steel crowns are only meant to restore baby teeth, sealants can be placed on adult molars, providing protection for as long as ten years.
Contact Us for Family Dentistry
Medfield Smiles provides sealants in Medfield, Norfolk, and Westwood. This is one of several children’s services our family dental practice offers for the nearby MetroWest communities. To find out how else we can protect your child’s dental health, call our practice today.