Dental Sealants Middleborough MA

Your child is likely to develop cavities on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. These surfaces are not smooth and are instead filled with tiny grooves referred to as pits and fissures. These grooves can trap bacteria and food particles. Because the bristles on a toothbrush can’t always reach into these crevices, they are prone to tooth decay.

Also, a child’s permanent teeth are not as resistant to decay as adult teeth. This is because the hard enamel coating becomes stronger with age. Fluoride, which is found in toothpaste and some drinking water can strengthen enamel. However, getting fluoride into those pits and fissures on a regular basis can prove to be quite difficult. Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem: dental sealants.

Dental sealants are invisible plastic coatings that smooth out the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, A sealant can reduce decay by as much as 70%. Therefore, a sealed tooth is far less likely to develop a cavity. This means you can reduce pain and expensive dental treatments.

How Dental Sealants Are Placed

The tooth enamel does not contain any nerves, so placing a sealant is painless. No numbing shots are required. The first step is to examine the tooth and look for any decay, Minor decay can be easily removed. The tooth will then be cleaned and dried. 

The dentist will then apply a solution that will slightly roughen or “etch” the surface to make the sealing material adhere better. The tooth is then rinsed and dried again. A liquid sealant is then painted on the tooth. This takes about a minute to harden. The process is now complete.

Parents may be concerned about dental sealants due to a study from 2012, The study noted that trace amounts of the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) may be found in some (but not all) dental resins. It is possible that BPA may contribute to behavioral problems in children. The authors of this study noted that while they had found an association, they could not prove that BPA found in dental sealants can actually cause these problems. In fact, BPA is far more likely to be found in food and beverage packaging. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association both support the use of sealants, so as a parent, you can rest assure that sealants are relatively safe for your child.

Taking Care of Dental Sealants

No special care is needed for sealed teeth. They require the same care as unsealed teeth. Your child should continue to brush and floss their teeth daily. Schedule regular professional cleanings twice a year to keep your child’s teeth healthy. With proper care, sealants can last up to 10 years. 

Contact Us Today

Sealants are an effective treatment method for preventing tooth decay. They can help protect your child’s teeth and eliminate costly issues down the road. The dentists at Middleboro Family Dental recommend sealants for children. Call (508) 947-4411 to learn more about this option for your child.