What are Sealants?

If you have children, it’s almost certain that we recommend they get dental sealants. This type of preventive care is nearly always covered by insurance and goes a long way toward reducing cavities. In fact, many adults could benefit from them, as well. But although you’ve probably heard sealants are helpful, you may still be unclear on what they are. At Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, we want the families we treat to feel confident in their care, so let’s take a closer look at what sealants do and why they should be applied in a timely manner.

 

A sealant is a plastic barrier between a tooth and decay-causing bacteria. It can’t substitute for regular brushing and flossing, but it can slow down the rate of decay. This is especially important for children, whose teeth are softer and who have more difficulty maintaining their oral hygiene. The process of receiving a sealant is simple and easy on the patient. After a professional cleaning, the teeth are etched with a mild acid in order to increase their surface area. The sealant is then painted on in liquid form and hardened under a blue light. The patient should be able to eat normally within a few hours, and the sealant can be expected to last for several years.

 

Usually, sealants are applied to the molars and premolars. These teeth have indentations between their cusps, which are used for chewing, and the indentations are where starchy food debris is most likely to get caught and fuel decay. In addition to providing a shield, sealants somewhat even out the tooth, removing the trap for food, while still allowing the cusps to serve their grinding function. Sealant plastic isn’t immune from acidic erosion and food debris still has to be brushed away, but sealants, along with brushing and drinking plenty of water, will allow a child to eat their favorite foods with significantly less risk of developing cavities on the teeth that are most vulnerable.

 

Kidz Connextion has three convenient locations in Phoenix, Arizona. To schedule an appointment at 2533 N 75th St, text 623-232-0749. For our office at 2046 N 24th St, text 480-666-5984. For our office at 524 E Baseline Rd, text 480-405-4714. Or, visit Kidz Connextion on our website.

Sealants

At Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces, we advise our patients to get sealants for their molars. Sealants are a thin plastic coating that is painted on the surface of molars to prevent tooth decay. Molars can be hard to clean because they are in the back of the mouth and have deep crevices. Since they’re used for chewing, food debris often gets stuck on their surfaces. Children with sealants are less likely to develop cavities because the plastic coating that acts as a shield to protect enamel and somewhat flattens out tooth indentations.

We encourage our patients to get sealants after the first set of molars erupt to protect them from plaque. The first set of molars usually develops between the ages of 5 and 7; while the permanent sets of molars develop between ages 11 and 14. Sealants last for about 10 years and can be replaced.
Don’t forget, even with sealants we still want our patients to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice a day. We want our patients to have the healthiest teeth and the brightest smile!

If you have any questions or concerns about sealants or our services, please visit our website at www.kidzconnextion.com for more information. Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces maintains offices around Phoenix.

Dental Sealants

Almost half of all children and adolescents in the United States have had cavities in their permanent teeth.  At Kidz Connextion, we apply sealants for young patients to start protecting teeth early. Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14. It is best to have a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure they are protected early. 

In children and teenagers, most tooth decay occurs on the chewing surfaces of molars where the pits and grooves can trap food and bacteria.  Dental sealants are applied to surfaces of these back teeth much like paint. The plastic resin fills any pits and grooves on the surface, and then hardens. Now the surface is protected from bits of food being stuck, and bacteria cannot multiply and cause decay.  Sealants also protect tooth enamel from plaque and acids, and can effectively prevent cavities for up to ten years.

To learn more about dental sealants and all the services we provide, give us a call at 623-223-1001.  Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Sealants

Dental sealants are a preventative measure used to preserve the teeth and tooth enamel. Almost half of all children and adolescents in the United States have had cavities in their permanent teeth, and Kidz Connextion Dental Care can help you protect your child’s teeth with a sealant.

Most tooth decay in children and teenagers occurs on the chewing surfaces of molars, where the pits and grooves tend to trap food and bacteria.  Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14. It is best to have a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure they are protected early.

Dental sealants are applied to surfaces of these molars much like paint. The plastic resin fills any pits and grooves on the surface and hardens. Now the surface is protected from bits of food being stuck, so bacteria cannot multiply and cause decay, and tooth enamel is protected from plaque and acids.  Sealants can effectively prevent cavities for up to ten years and can be reapplied of necessary

If you think anyone in your family would benefit from a dental sealant, our dentists can determine if you are eligible candidates and start preserving your teeth. Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.