Dental Sealants For Kids in Franklin, TN
PROTECT YOUR CHILD’S TEETH AGAINST CAVITIES AT FRANKLIN CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY.
Brushing and flossing help prevent cavities, but the teeth in the back of the mouth called molars may be hard-to-reach, especially the nooks and crannies for young children. Food can easily get trapped in these spots with cavity-causing bacteria that lead to irreversible tooth decay.
Sealants help protect these hard-to-reach teeth with a thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth, creating a barrier between the tooth and bacteria. Sealants help protect natural, undamaged teeth and can even work to guard teeth with early signs of decay.
Sealants work on:
Prevent new cavities from forming or keep minor ones from worsening into a cavity with sealants.
Sealants work as a barrier to keep teeth healthy from cavity-causing bacteria.
The thin coat is tooth-colored or clear, so it blends into your child’s natural tooth.
Sealants are affordable and can prevent costly cavity fillings in the future.
After an exam at Franklin Children's Dentistry in Franklin, TN we’ll determine if your child can benefit from tooth sealants to prevent cavities. The process is quick and painless.
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Step 1
Sealants are placed on the grooves of teeth, typically the back teeth, which are harder to reach while brushing. First, the tooth is cleaned, and the area is dried.
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Step 2
An acidic gel is placed on the area to make it slightly rougher and easier for the sealant to bond.
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Step 3
We rinse off the gel, dry, and apply the sealant and harden with a curing light. The barrier of protection is ready to seal out food and plaque from entering teeth grooves.
The entire process takes just a few minutes to complete, and sealants are quick and easy to apply. The cavity prevention treatment is safe and can last for several years.
Our Franklin, TN dentist will check the sealant’s integrity to ensure it’s intact and effectively protecting the tooth during regular dental visits. If cracked, chipped, or worn, we’ll easily replace the sealant.
FAQ about Dental Sealants For Kids
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Are sealants good for teeth?
Yes, sealants are beneficial to teeth in that they prevent tooth decay. Sealants prevent bacteria and food from getting into the grooves of your child’s teeth in the back of their mouth. The protective shield is safe and successfully prevents cavities.
When trapped food particles combine with the mouth’s natural cavity-causing bacteria, an acid produces that can cause holes in teeth (AKA cavities). Sealants work as a barrier to keep food from getting stuck in hard-to-reach places on teeth so that cavities never have a chance to form.
In the long run, you’ll save time and money with sealants because they safely and effectively protect teeth from tooth decay and costly dental repairs. They’re painless and quick and easy to apply!
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Are sealants a good idea for kids?
Yes, sealants are a good idea for kids who are more prone to cavities and still learning to brush. The treatment is safe, quick, pain-free, and effective.
While baby teeth are placeholders for adult teeth and should be protected from tooth decay, permanent teeth are irreplaceable and should be protected as well. Fun fact – some adults get sealants, too!
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How long do dental sealants take?
Sealants are quick and easy to apply. The dental hygienist or dentist can seal a tooth in just a few minutes.
The application is quick, but the cavity protection can last for years, giving peace of mind for your child’s oral health.
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Can children get sealants on teeth with fillings?
Sealants only work on pristine teeth or teeth with very early decay. With minor decay, the sealant application prevents further damage.
Tooth sealants are applied to teeth before there’s any serious decay or fillings. Once there’s a filling, a sealant no longer makes sense because the cavity has already formed.
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Can kids chew gum with sealants?
Kids should avoid chewy, sticky, or hard foods if they have sealants on their teeth.
It’s important to avoid chewing gum or eating chewy caramel candy. Children should also avoid biting ice or croutons.
Certain foods increase the risk of cracking or damaging the sealant. If a sealant is cracked or chipped, please contact us directly, and we can reapply the coating for adequate cavity protection.