What Are Sealants and Why Are They Important?
Sealants are used as an essential method to avoid tooth decay. Brushing teeth and drinking water utilize fluoride. Fluoride helps protect the smooth surfaces of teeth. However, back teeth can require extra care and protection protection due to their location in the mouth. Sealants cover the chewing surface of back teeth and create a shield against food and bacteria.
Kids and Sealant Treatments
Children and adults can benefit from sealants, but the earlier you get them, the better. A child’s first molars appear around age 6, and second molars break through around age 12. Sealing these teeth as soon as they come through can keep them cavity-free from the start.
Getting a sealant treatment is a quick and painless process. Dr. Jacqueline Caster will clean and dry the tooth before placing an acidic gel on. This gel roughs up the tooth’s surface so a strong bond will form between the tooth and the sealant. After a few seconds, the gel gets rinsed and dried again before applying the sealant onto the grooves of your child’s tooth. Dr. Caster will then use a special blue light to harden the sealant.