Should My Child Get Dental Sealants?
&srotate=0)
Due to easy access to sugary foods and limited knowledge and dexterity in caring for teeth, young children are highly susceptible to cavities and tooth decay. At Made Ya Smile Kingwood, our team of licensed dental practitioners works hard to provide preventive care for families throughout Kingwood, TX. Aside from routine checkups and professional cleanings, our team can also provide children with long-lasting dental sealants to protect against tooth decay.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are a preventive care service used to decrease the risk for cavities and tooth decay. A tooth-colored liquid is applied to healthy back molars to fill pits and crevices in the teeth that can harbor harmful bacteria. At Made Ya Smile Kingwood, our team can provide dental sealants after a routine checkup and professional cleaning.
Should my child get dental sealants?
According to the American Dental Association (AMA), children between the ages of 6-12 are encouraged to receive dental sealants to minimize their risk for tooth decay and cavities. With professionally applied dental sealants, parents can take comfort in knowing their child may require less visits to the dentist for expensive cavity fillings.
Can adults get dental sealants?
Though highly recommended for young children, dental sealants can be provided for adults with healthy teeth or teeth who aren’t currently being treated for damage or decay. If you are interested in receiving dental sealants, consult with our team to see if you qualify.
The benefits of dental sealants
Dental sealants provide children and adults with numerous benefits, including:
-
Painless preventive treatment
-
Tooth-colored application for a natural-looking smile
-
A long-lasting defense against tooth decay
-
No downtime and no limitations on food or liquid intake after treatment
How dental sealants are applied to the teeth
Patients can receive dental sealants during a routine visit at Made Ya Smile Kingwood within the comforts of one of our private treatment rooms. Once the teeth are cleaned, dried, and inspected by one of our dentists, a tooth-colored liquid is carefully applied to the molars. A curing light is placed over the teeth for 20-30 seconds to harden the sealants. Once your visit is completed, you may return home and resume normal activities with no downtime.
Can my child eat normal foods after getting dental sealants?
Your child is permitted to eat and drink liquids immediately after treatment and it won’t negatively impact their new dental sealants.
How long do dental sealants last?
With the proper care, dental sealants have the potential to last many years as a long-term protection against tooth decay. However, patients should participate in healthy dental habits and limit their sugar intake to protect their teeth.
How to care for my dental sealants
Once you or your child have received dental sealants, there are many ways to care for and get extra mileage out of your treatment, including:
-
Flossing and brushing your teeth twice daily
-
Regularly using mouth rinse to rid hard-to-reach places of tartar buildup
-
Eating healthy, nutritious foods
-
Limiting your sugar intake
-
Routinely attending dental checkups and cleanings
Learn more about dental sealants for your family
Dental sealants are an excellent preventive care option for protecting your child’s teeth against unnecessary tooth decay. If you reside in or near Kingwood, TX, contact us today at Made Ya Smile Kingwood for a consultation. Our team looks forward to working with you and your family, providing all your dental preventive care needs.