Is it difficult to get your child’s back teeth clean? Does food seem to get stuck there routinely? If this is the case, their dental health could be at risk. You might want to consider using dental sealants on your child’s molars or premolars to help protect them.

Because these teeth can have deep fissures, it can make them more vulnerable to decay. As your child eats, food particles can get trapped in these gaps and bacteria can feast upon these particles. Overtime, those particles can turn into plaque and acids that can create different dental health issues, but today we’ll focus on how they can erode the enamel and create cavities. While it is true that fluoride can help protect the surfaces of the tooth, dental sealants can provide an extra layer of protection by providing a smooth surface over the previously uneven area.

You can put a sealant on a tooth as soon as it has fully erupted from the gumline. First the tooth will need to be cleaned, and then an acidic solution can be put on it for a few seconds before it is rinsed off. The acid can create microscopic areas on the surface that are rougher that can enable the sealant to attach easier. After the tooth is dry again, the liquid sealant is put on the tooth and hardened, and your child may chew like normal again.

If you live near Naples, Florida, and would like to know if dental sealants could be right for your child, please make an appointment at Naples Family Dentist by calling 239-566-7737 today. Dr. Paul Mabe wants your child to have a healthy and happy smile.