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Children are known for their love of sweets, yet they’re not always great at brushing their teeth. This puts them at greater risk of cavities. To counter this problem, Drs. Jeff Bue and Julie Chang from Kennebec Dental Excellence recommend getting sealants for your children’s teeth. Sealants provide a protective coating for teeth to help keep decay to a minimum. They also help prevent tooth sensitivity.
Sealants are thin, plastic coatings that can be applied to your children’s back teeth to protect them from cavities. They’re recommended for back teeth as they do most of your chewing. It’s also more difficult for children to clean the pits and grooves of their back teeth with their toothbrush alone.
The sealant creates a protective barrier on the surface of your children’s teeth to keep bacteria and plaque from getting inside and causing cavities. Your children should brush and floss as usual to remove as much debris as possible. Sealants add extra protection where it’s needed most. Sealants fill the grooves and crevices of back teeth and in between teeth to prevent food from getting trapped and causing plaque buildup.
Sealants come in liquid form and are “painted” onto your children’s teeth. When the liquid dries, it forms a clear plastic coating that protects teeth from cavities. We can apply sealants after a dental cleaning when your children’s teeth are plaque-free. The process is quick, painless, and long-lasting.
We can place sealants on your children’s teeth after their molars have come in, which could be between 6 and 7 years of age. Sealants have been proven safe and effective in protecting children from cavities, ensuring their young smiles remain strong and healthy.
Sealants can last for several years with proper oral care. During regular checkups, we can examine your children’s sealants and other dental restorations to ensure they are in good condition and functioning properly.
Your Winslow dentist may recommend sealants for sensitive teeth. These protect teeth from acidic foods and temperature changes that can lead to tooth sensitivity. If you experience tooth sensitivity, discuss the option of dental sealants with our team.
No, food cannot get stuck in sealants. Sealants are smooth, plastic polymers that seal out food, plaque, and debris. Less plaque buildup means fewer cavities, promoting the long-term health of your children’s teeth.
If you live in Winslow, ME, or nearby communities, you can bring your children to Kennebec Dental Excellence for dental sealants. To schedule an appointment, call Drs. Jeff Bue and Julie Chang at (207) 810-5088.