Sometimes brushing is not enough, especially when it comes to those hard-to-reach spots in your child’s mouth. It is difficult for a toothbrush to reach between the small cracks and grooves on teeth.
If left alone, those tiny areas can develop tooth decay. Sealants give a child’s teeth extra protection against decay and help prevent cavities.
Our sealant material is made of a BPA-free resin that bonds and hardens in the deep grooves on the tooth’s surface. When a tooth is sealed, the tiny grooves become smooth, and are less likely to harbor plaque. With sealants, brushing becomes easier and more effective against tooth decay.
Sealants are typically applied to children’s teeth as a preventive measure against tooth decay after their permanent teeth have emerged. It is more common to seal “permanent” teeth rather than “baby” teeth, but every patient has unique needs, and Dr. Jensen will recommend sealants on a case-by-case basis.
Sealants can last from three to five years, although it is fairly common to see adults with sealants still intact from childhood. A dental sealant only provides protection when it is fully intact, so we will check your son or daughter’s sealants at the six-month check-ups and touch them up if needed.