Dental Sealants for Toddlers and Young Children

What you need to know about dental sealants for toddlers and young children.

According to the Center for Disease Control tooth decay affects 70 percent of children. Left untreated, tooth decay, or cavities, may result in pain and infection. However, there is a solution to fight against this, dental sealants.

What are dental sealants? It is a highly effective option to help prevent cavities, dental sealant is a thin plastic film painted on the chewing surface of teeth. Most tooth decay in children and teens occurs on these surfaces. They typically last as long as 5 to 10 years.

The process is short and easy. After the tooth is cleaned, a special gel is placed on the chewing surface for a few seconds. The tooth is then washed off and dried. Then, the sealant is painted on the tooth. The dentist or dental hygienist also may shine a light on the tooth to help harden the sealant. It takes about a minute for the sealant to form a protective shield. Sealants can be checked at your regular dental appointment and can be reapplied if they are no longer in place.

Watch a short and informative video on sealants: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP9NoU1NHE0

Decay damages teeth permanently. Sealants protect them. Sealants can save time, money, and the discomfort sometimes associated with dental fillings. Dental sealants have been proven a safe and cost-efficient dental procedure for patients prone to cavities.

Call your favorite local Greensboro family dentist, Dr. Graham E. Farless, today for more information on dental sealants, 336-282-2868. Visit his practice online at www.gsodentist.com.