Which Type of Dental Sealant is Used for Adolescents and Kids?
Tooth decay is caused by acids from food and drink that wear away at the enamel on our teeth. The bacteria in our oral cavity produce acid as they digest sugars, which can cause cavities when left on teeth for too long.
Children are more prone to tooth decay because they develop teeth with thinner enamel, and they are more likely to eat sugary foods than adults. While brushing and flossing can help remove plaques, you may need other preventive measures like getting dental sealants in Lancaster, SC.
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealant is a preventive measure to protect teeth from decay. It is a thin plastic coating that covers the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
These coatings are an effective way to protect permanent teeth from cavities and other dental problems.
The American Dental Association recommends dental sealants for all children who have not yet reached adolescence. This means that dental sealant can be a preventive measure for adolescents and kids.
There is a misconception that sealant application is painful or uncomfortable for children, but it is not so. The sealant application process only takes about 20 minutes and doesn’t require anesthesia or sedation.
What are the Different Types of Dental Sealants?
It prevents bacteria from getting into the tooth and causing cavities. Different types of sealants can be used to protect the teeth, and a kid’s dentist near you will choose an appropriate one for your child.
- Resin dental sealant
Resin dental sealants are a great way to protect teeth from dental caries while giving them a natural look. They do not release fluoride over time and do not bring any new benefits to the tooth’s enamel layers. However, they provide protection from tooth decay and are transparent in your child’s mouth. They are tooth-colored and match the teeth in appearance.
Resin sealants are durable compared to glass ionomer sealants, but they wear out. It is crucial to visit a pediatric dental office in Lancaster for assessment.
- Glass ionomer sealants
The glass ionomer is an alternative to the treatment of plastic coatings. It’s a more flexible paste, so we can use it to cover the teeth.
This type of sealant is made with a fluoride compound that releases fluoride into the mouth over time. The fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening enamel and making it harder for bacteria to get in. It is, however, less durable than the resin ones and may not last as long.
How Are Dental Sealants Fixed?
The kid’s dentist in 29720 will first use an x-ray machine to examine the teeth and gums. He will clean the teeth to be sealed and isolate them with a sheet. The absorbent sheet also keeps them dry and free from saliva.
The dentist will apply an acid solution to the teeth to roughen them and prepare them for the dental sealants. He will apply the resin sealant on the teeth and harden them with ultraviolet light. The glass ionomer does not need to be hardened by a curated light.
How Long Do the Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants effectively prevent dental decay, but their effectiveness decreases with time. These coatings can last for a decade with proper care, but you will need regular checkups to assess your condition.
The sealants can also crack and chip, allowing bacteria to sneak in and cause cavities. If the dental sealants crack or chip, visit an emergency pediatric dentist in Lancaster for a replacement.
How Can You Care for The Dental Sealants?
The most common way of caring for dental sealants is brushing and flossing regularly, which helps keep food particles and plaques from building up in the spaces between the teeth. Additionally, use fluoride toothpaste, eat a healthy diet with teeth-friendly foods, and visit the dentist regularly for cleaning and examination.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Kids First Dental for more information about dental sealants and what you can expect.