Seal Out Tooth Decay

21 Jan Seal Out Tooth Decay

Did you know that tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease?

Over 50 % of 5 to 9-year old children have at least one cavity or filling, with the incidence of tooth decay increasing to 78 percent among 17-year-olds.

The back teeth (called premolars and molars) are rough, uneven and are a common location for leftover food to get caught in. Cavity-causing bacteria can also easily hide in their crevices. Brushing and flossing are the best ways to help prevent cavities, but it’s not always easy to reach every nook and cranny of your teeth.

As part of the comprehensive program of preventive care offered by Park Pediatric and General Dentistry, our Huntington Beach pediatric dentists recommend the application of dental sealants. These thin, plastic-like coatings are painted onto the chewing surface of newly erupted permanent back teeth help to provide your child with additional protection through the cavity-prone years. In fact, the value of dental sealants is well documented. According to the American Dental Association, they reduce the risk of cavities in school-age children by approximately 80%. And, it has also been demonstrated that children who do not receive dental sealants, develop almost three times more cavities than children who do have them.

How Are Sealants Applied

It is quick and does not hurt.

1. Your Huntington Beach pediatric dentists will thoroughly clean and dry the tooth.
2. An acidic gel is placed on the tooth to roughen the tooth surface so the sealant sticks better.
3. The gel is rinsed off the tooth and the tooth is dried prior to applying the sealant onto the grooves of the tooth.
4. The sealant will quickly bond to your tooth and harden under a special blue light.

Sealants are very thin and fill the pits and grooves of the teeth.  Sometimes children can feel the sealant with their tongues for a short while after the sealant is placed.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

Sealants are quite durable and will often last for several years before they need to be reapplied. During your regular dental visit, your Huntington Beach pediatric dentists will evaluate them at routine dental check-up visits to make sure that they are intact and reapply as needed.

It is important to frequently have your child’s dentist at Park Pediatric and General Dentistry check on how the sealants are holding up. We will provide skilled and experienced care to help your child create a strong foundation for a lifetime of oral health. For more information on our office and the many services that we provide, or to schedule an appointment for care, give us a call today.

7891 Talbert Ave, Suite 103
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 841-4990