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Too often, parents underestimate the importance of their children’s teeth. They might reason that the teeth will fall out anyway, so it isn’t that big of a deal to protect them. Or, they may take it for granted that their kids truly understand how vital a good oral hygiene routine is. Don’t fall into that trap! Your children’s teeth are an essential part of their development. To safeguard that precious smile, your dentist in Oak Hill may recommend that your child get dental sealants.

DENTAL SEALANTS: WHAT THEY ARE

Dental sealants are thin layers of plastic that a dentist places on the chewing surface of the tooth. They create a tough shield for the tooth, placing a barrier between it and food particles and other substances that might cause it harm.

This tooth protection treatment is durable enough to stand up to your kids’ favorite snacks, whether they’re sugary gummy bears or starchy potato chips. Exactly how long dental sealants last is impossible to say because each case is different. However, they may be able to endure for up to 10 years. During regular checkups with your children’s dentist in Oak Hill, your dental care professional might recommend repairs or replacements for the sealants.

WILL THE SEALANTS MAKE MY CHILD UNCOMFORTABLE?

After the sealants are applied, your child may not even notice that they’re there. Other people won’t notice them either since they’re almost invisible.

What about when the dentist is installing the sealants? You can assure your little ones that there is no reason to dread the treatment process, which is fast and painless. Here is a breakdown of what will happen at the office:

• The dentist, or perhaps a dental hygienist, will thoroughly clean the teeth that will receive the sealants.
• The dental care professional will dry the teeth and keep them dry with an absorbent material. Then, they’ll use a mild acid solution to roughen up the tooth. These steps help to ensure that the sealants will adhere well to the enamel.
• Your dental professional paints the sealant on. It hardens quickly, so your child will be able to eat and drink right away after their dental appointment.

HOW IMPORTANT ARE DENTAL SEALANTS?

If your child doesn’t brush and floss as diligently as they should, the sealants can be pivotal in preventing cavities. Even if your young one has a good oral hygiene routine, though, sealants can still be useful for protecting the teeth. You don’t want to take any chances with that precious little smile.

Sealants may be particularly good for children who have deep grooves in their molars, since those grooves can be difficult to clean when your child is brushing.

Dental sealants are a fast and affordable way to make sure your child’s smile stays healthy for a lifetime. Why not ask your dentist about this preventive treatment?

About the Dentist

Dr. Jack Fan is your caring dentist in Oak Hill. He provides excellent service to patients of all ages and takes pride in helping people to have healthy, bright smiles. If you would like to learn more about dental sealants for your children, you can contact our office via our website or by phone at 512-361-4288.