What did the dentist see at the North Pole? … A molar bear! (Haha!)
All jokes aside, molars — those large, flat teeth in the very back of our mouths — are super important when it comes to chewing our food. And because of their shape and position, they can also be super difficult to keep clean and healthy. In fact, the first molars, which usually appear around the age of six, are the teeth most likely to get a cavity.
At Rockland Pediatric Dental & Orthodontics, we often recommend pediatric dental sealants to help keep these teeth cavity-free.
How can dental sealants help keep my child’s smile healthy?
Molars have a bumpy surface that is great for grinding food — and is also a great hiding place for leftover food bits and cavity-causing bacteria. Brushing and flossing are the best ways to keep teeth healthy, but when it comes to molars, another layer of protection can be a big help.
Dental sealants are a thin coating made from plastic and other dental materials that is painted onto the chewing surface of the back teeth. The sealants keep out the bits of food, bacteria, and acid that lead to cavities. The CDC reports that sealants prevent 80% of cavities on back teeth!
It’s a good idea to seal teeth soon after they emerge, so be sure to talk to your dentist about sealants around the time that first molars (age 6-7) and second molars (age 12) appear.
What can we expect from a dental sealant procedure?
The process to apply a dental sealant is quick and painless, though some young children might find it a bit uncomfortable to hold their mouths open for a long period.
After the dentist cleans and dries the tooth, they will apply an acidic gel, which creates a rough surface on the tooth so that the sealant will stick. The dentist will then rinse off the gel and dry the tooth again before painting on the sealant. A special blue light is used to cure, or harden, the sealant.
Sealants can be brushed like normal and should be checked at each dental appointment. With proper care, dental sealants can last for several years, offering those molars excellent protection from cavities.
Give us a call to find out if dental sealants might be a good solution for your child’s growing smile.