Sealants: Extra Protection for Your Child’s Smile

When it comes to protecting your child’s growing teeth, there is no substitute for daily brushing and flossing and visiting your dentist twice a year. These are the best methods for preventing decay and keeping healthy gums. However, there is a way to boost your child’s resistance to cavities even more by using dental sealants. Alora Dentistry proudly offers teeth sealing for our pediatric patients in Napa Valley.

What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants represent a thin protective coating that can be applied to teeth that are vulnerable to cavities. For children, this includes sealing the back molars, or the chewing teeth that often have uneven surfaces and deep grooves. It’s not always easy for young patients to clean these teeth after snacks and meals. When food debris collects on the chewing surfaces of molars, cavities tend to develop. By “sealing out” cavities, we can protect your child from the disruption and cost of having to get a dental filling.

Applying dental sealants is quick and painless. Once the material is painted on the top surfaces of the affected teeth, it is hardened under a special blue light. The entire process only takes a few minutes start-to-finish. The reward of this easy preventative treatment, however, can be significant. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the application of dental sealants nearly triples resistance to tooth decay.

When to Get Dental Sealants

Dental sealants don’t last forever but can generally stay effective for up to two years. If the sealants look like they are wearing off at your child’s dental checkup, we can easily re-apply them. In most cases, we recommend dental sealants for children between the ages of 6 and 14. Contrary to popular belief, dental sealants aren’t just reserved for kids. If you are an adult who is especially prone to cavities, ask us about teeth sealing.

Contact Alora Dentistry today. We love protecting the smiles of your family!