How Dental Sealants Can Save Your Child’s Teeth in Lacombe

Keeping your children’s mouths healthy and looking good is something every parent wishes to do for their children over the long term. Did you know that there are non-invasive dental treatments that can guard your child’s teeth against cavity-causing bacteria? If you live in the area of Lacombe, Alberta, you can shield your child’s teeth from harmful bacteria and acids by applying dental sealants.

In this blog, we will walk you through what dental sealants are, why they are important, and how they can help your family maintain a great oral health routine.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a thin plastic coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of posterior (back) teeth to protect them from decay (cavities). They provide a smooth and protective surface that prevents food particles from getting stuck in the deep grooves of your child’s teeth. The application process is quick and painless, making it an ideal preventative treatment for young children and adolescents.

How Do Dental Sealants Help My Child’s Teeth?

Since children are more susceptible to cavities in their back teeth due to the grooves’ depth, dental sealants in Lacombe, AB can help prevent tooth decay in these areas. Due to the depth of the grooves in children’s teeth, a diligent oral hygiene routine can be effective in preventing tooth decay, but it may be difficult to accomplish; this is where dental sealants can help.

• Cavity Prevention: Sealants are a dental barrier that prevents food particles, bacteria, and acids from penetrating the enamel surface of your child’s teeth.
• Easy to Apply: The dentist will first clean the surface of your child’s tooth, then apply the sealant and use a special light to cure and harden it.
• Long-Lasting Protection: Once applied, dental sealants can last for several years, providing long-term protection.
• Cost-Effective: Sealants are a cost-effective way to prevent the need for more expensive dental treatments, such as fillings, later on.

Application Process for Dental Sealants 

The application of dental sealants is straightforward and takes less than 1 hour. Generally speaking, the following steps occur:

• Step 1: Dental Cleanings – Before applying dental sealants, the dentist will clean your child’s teeth and remove any food particles or germs.
• Step 2: Application of Gel to Prepare for Sealant – After cleaning, the dentist will apply a gel to the teeth’s surfaces to prepare them for the dental sealant. Once the gel has been applied, the dentist will apply the dental sealant to the tooth surface.
• Step 3: Retaining and Bonding of the Dental Sealant – After applying the sealant, the dentist will use a special light to properly set it on the tooth, creating a strong bond between the tooth and the sealant.
• Step 4: Final Check – After all these individual steps are completed, the dentist will conduct a general evaluation of the teeth to determine whether your child’s bite has been adversely affected by the sealants.

How Do Dental Sealants Help Your Children?

If you’re a parent living in Lacombe, Alberta, Canada, asking the question, ‘What’s so good about dental sealants for kids?’ here’s why:

• Preventing Cavities: Because children enjoy eating candy, they can develop cavities unless their teeth are properly cleaned. By applying dental sealants to their back teeth (molars), kids can help prevent cavities.
• Improve Oral Hygiene Habits: By providing a layer of protection, the sealant encourages kids to take better care of their teeth than they might otherwise.
• The Best Time to Apply: Dental sealants are most effective when applied as soon as a child has their permanent (adult) molars, typically between the ages of 6 and 9. If they’re older or a teenager when dental sealants are being placed, they will also benefit.
• Low-Maintenance: After dental sealants are placed, they generally require no additional maintenance beyond regular checkups.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Although dental sealants in Lacombe, AB are meant to last many years, they can still wear down or crack over time and may need to be replaced. To ensure the sealants remain effective and provide ongoing protection, it is important to visit your dentist regularly so they can assess their quality. Generally, sealants last 5 to 10 years before needing repair or replacement. 

Safeguard Your Child’s Smile With Dental Sealants

As a parent, one of the most important things you can do for your child’s oral health is to take proactive measures to prevent dental problems down the road. If you are a parent in Lacombe, AB, and would like to learn more about how dental sealants could benefit your child, please reach out to us today! By providing your family with the level of care they need, Aurora Dental Group is devoted to helping them maintain their beautiful smiles for as long as possible.

Want To Protect Your Child’s Teeth? Schedule An Appointment With Aurora Dental Group TODAY!

Give your child the ability to have cavity-free smiles by investing in dental sealants in Lacombe, AB, to protect their teeth against decay. Contact Aurora Dental Group today to schedule an appointment and learn how we can protect your child’s teeth for years to come! Our commitment to providing high-quality services is reflected in every aspect of our practice.

Common Questions About Dental Sealants