Does My Child Need A Dental Sealant?

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Children often have difficulty brushing and flossing as thoroughly as adults, as a result their risk of developing tooth decay is often higher. In order to safeguard little smiles in Richfield, MN, against cavities, we may recommend a dental sealant. How does a dental sealant protect against cavities?

Try Our Quiz on Dental Sealants

  1. True or False: They prevent tooth decay.
  2. True or False: Sealants don’t require removal.
  3. True or False: We also provide fluoride treatments.
  4. True or False: Routine homecare also helps prevent cavities.

Answer Key

  1. True. The sealants are actually a plastic coating we add the molars and teeth in the rear of the mouth. These are often difficult for children to reach, allowing food to become stuck between them. As bacteria break down these stranded food particles, the chances of tooth decay forming increases significantly. However, the sealants prevent this from happening and reduce the risk of cavities.
  2. True. The coating will simply wear away with time and if we find your child still needs them as this occurs, we can reapply.
  3. True. Fluoride already resides in our drinking water, helping strengthen outer tooth enamel. For added protection, we may also apply the fluoride in a varnish form to the teeth. For young patients, the varnish helps ensure strong, healthy teeth free of cavities.
  4. True. In addition to dental sealants, children also need to care for their smiles at home. You may need to monitor or assist them as necessary, but kids should be brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing once every night. We also urge a routine visits every six months for checkups and cleanings. If you have any questions about treating smiles or preventing tooth decay, then contact our team today. We want to help patients of all ages enjoy optimal oral health!

Do You Have Questions About Dental Sealants?

We have preventive treatments to help improve smile health for kids and adults alike. To learn more, schedule a consultation with Dr. Keller by calling Cedar West Family Dentistry in Richfield, MN, today at (612) 861-7188.