In recent years, the use of dental sealants on children’s teeth has increased considerably. This is because of a growing awareness of the dangers caused by tooth decay. However, since this is a relatively new dental procedure, many parents, who did not undergo this treatment in their youth, are unaware of the benefits it can offer to their children.
Our dental team at our dental clinic in W1 is committed offering preventative oral care to children and adults. Since children are more prone to tooth decay, we offer fluoride treatment and dental sealants. Both methods have demonstrated to prevent tooth decay and stop decay if it has not reached the centre of the tooth. Our experienced dentists will be able to answer specific questions about sealants, but a basic understanding of their purpose and what they can do to protect your children’s teeth are really important in helping you making an informed decision.
How do dental sealants work?
In our dental clinic in W1, dental sealants (also known as fissure sealants) are tooth-coloured and are applied directly to the ridges of the back teeth (usually the molars). This way they act as a protective barrier between tooth enamel and bacteria found in food which results in cavities. Sealants in combination with fluoride treatment and diligent brushing and flossing, will help maintain your child’s oral health for longer.
While brushing and flossing are really important in preventing tooth decay, sealants provide additional protection for those areas of the teeth that are hard to reach and clean properly. The number of teeth that will receive sealants depends on your child’s lifestyle and their predisposition for tooth decay. For effective protection, we recommend applying dental sealants as soon as permanent teeth appear, the timing of which is different for many children.
In our dental clinic in W1, dental sealants are applied during only one dental visit. Once your dentist has examined your children’s teeth thoroughly, they will proceed to a proper tooth cleaning. The sealant placed on top of the teeth is hardened into the tooth ridges with the aid of special light. Dental sealants are a quick and non-invasive procedure that involves no pain at all.