123ArticleOnline Logo
Welcome to 123ArticleOnline.com!
ALL >> Health >> View Article

Excel Family Dental - Sealing Out Tooth Decay

Profile Picture
By Author: Heidi Huang
Total Articles: 13
Comment this article
Facebook ShareTwitter ShareGoogle+ ShareTwitter Share

Tooth decay has become increasingly prevalent in preschoolers. Not only is tooth decay unpleasant and painful, it can also lead to more serious problems like premature tooth loss and childhood periodontal disease.

Dental sealants are an important tool in preventing childhood caries (cavities) and tooth decay. Especially when used in combination with other preventative measures, like biannual checkups and an excellent daily home care routine, sealants can bolster the mouth’s natural defenses, and keep smiles healthy.

How do sealants protect children’s teeth?

In general, dental sealants are used to protect molars from oral bacteria and harmful oral acids. These larger, flatter teeth reside toward the back of the mouth and can be difficult to clean. Molars mark the site of four out of five instances of tooth decay. Decay-causing bacteria often inhabit the nooks and crannies (pits and fissures) found on the chewing surfaces of the molars. These areas are extremely difficult to access with a regular toothbrush.

If the pediatric dentist evaluates a child to be at high risk for tooth decay, he ...
... or she may choose to coat additional teeth (for example, bicuspid teeth). The sealant acts as a barrier, ensuring that food particles and oral bacteria cannot access vulnerable tooth enamel.

Dental sealants do not enhance the health of the teeth directly, and should not be used as a substitute for fluoride supplements (if the dentist has recommended them) or general oral care. In general however, sealants are less costly, less uncomfortable, and more aesthetically pleasing than dental fillings.

How are sealants applied?

Though there are many different types of dental sealant, most are comprised of liquid plastic. Initially, the pediatric dentist must thoroughly clean and prepare the molars, before painting sealant on the targeted teeth. Some sealants are bright pink when wet and clear when dry. This bright pink coloring enables the dentist to see that all pits and fissures have been thoroughly coated.

When every targeted tooth is coated to the dentist’s satisfaction, the sealant is either left to self-harden or exposed to blue spectrum natural light for several seconds (depending on the chemical composition of the specific brand). This specialized light works to harden the sealant and cure the plastic. The final result is a clear (or whitish) layer of thin, hard, durable sealant.

It should be noted that the “sealing” procedure is easily completed in one office visit, and is entirely painless.

When should sealants be applied?

Sealants are usually applied when the primary (baby) molars first emerge. Depending on the oral habits of the child, the sealants may last for the life of the primary tooth, or need replacing several times. Essentially, sealant durability depends on the oral habits of the individual child.

Pediatric dentists recommend that permanent molars be sealed as soon as they emerge. In some cases, sealant can be applied before the permanent molar is full grown.

The health of the sealant must be monitored at biannual appointments. If the seal begins to lift off, food particles may become trapped against the tooth enamel, actually causing tooth decay.

Total Views: 694Word Count: 513See All articles From Author

Add Comment

Health Articles

1. 8 Best Postnatal Vitamins For 2025
Author: Vikash Sharma

2. 6 Reasons Why Your Spine Sounds Like A Maraca
Author: Katerina Vlasova

3. Planning A Baby With Thalassemia Minor? Know The Risks And Safe Options
Author: SEO Pahlajani

4. Your Complete Guide To Pain Management Doctors In Fort Worth, Texas
Author: ipsdfw

5. Bipolar Disorder Treatments
Author: cognizant

6. Break Free: Internet Addiction & Anxiety Help In Naples
Author: Advanced Hypnotherapy of Naples

7. Types Of Measuring Tools You Need For Accurate Work
Author: medguard

8. Widal Test: Understanding Typhoid Fever Diagnosis
Author: Richard

9. Why Choosing The Right Children’s Dentist Is Important For Your Child’s Oral Health
Author: Kristin Adam

10. Why Choose A Cosmetic Dentist For A Perfect Smile
Author: cosmetic dentist Winnipeg

11. Why Choose A Pediatric Dentist For Your Child’s Oral Health
Author: Kristin Adam

12. Discover The Best Dentist And Top Orthodontist In Northeast Philadelphia At Nusmile Dental Office
Author: Rebecca Willliams

13. Say Goodbye To Ingrown Hairs: Laser Hair Removal In Pimpri Chinchwad
Author: aaliya

14. Spinal Fracture And Their Types With Treatment
Author: Ridhima

15. Achieving Long-term Pain Relief For Trigeminal Neuralgia (suicide Disease): Expert Insights
Author: Andy

Login To Account
Login Email:
Password:
Forgot Password?
New User?
Sign Up Newsletter
Email Address: