Dental sealants are a protective layer that can be put over your child's teeth to reduce the chance of cavities and protect your teeth for years to come. Dr. Scott Terry is the family dentist for your child's dental sealants in North Vernon, IN.

Dental sealants are a smart choice

While daily brushing and flossing is the most consistent way to prevent tartar build up and cavities, sometimes it's nice to have an extra barrier to keep our teeth safe and clean. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends the use of dental sealants on the surfaces of molars in children and teenagers.

The teeth in our mouths have pits and fissures where food particles and bacteria can get stuck and lead to plaque and tooth decay, which ultimately means we get cavities. Fortunately, sealants can help prevent plaque and minimize the progression of tooth decay by up to 80 percent in molars, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).

Dental sealants are no substitute for brushing and flossing, but they can prevent cavities from forming, and can also prevent early stages of tooth decay from later becoming a cavity.

How dental sealants are applied

Dental sealants take just minutes to apply and do not require any anesthesia or numbing. First, the dentist cleans and dries the tooth. Then, an etching solution is applied in order to help form a bond between the sealant and the tooth’s enamel. After giving the solution some time to work, the sealant is directly brushed onto the tooth, building it up until it has a smoother, less pitted surface. Finally, a special UV light will used harden the sealant into its final form.

How dental sealants work

Your dentist will apply the sealant, which is a clear film that covers the back teeth. The ADA uses the analogy of a raincoat that covers your teeth: when natural mouth bacteria interacts with leftover food particles and creates a natural acid, the sealant protects teeth from acid breakdown, similar to a raincoat protecting your skin in the rain.

Interested? Give us a call

If you are ready to get sealants on your child's teeth, call your North Vernon family dentist today. Dr. Terry's office can be reached at (812) 346-4500.