The most likely location for a cavity to develop in your child's mouth is on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The reason is simple: unlike other areas of your teeth, the biting surfaces of your molars are not smooth. Instead, they are filled with tiny grooves referred to as “pits and fissures,” which trap bacteria and food particles. The bristles on a toothbrush can't always reach all the way into these dark, moist little crevices. This creates the perfect conditions for tooth decay.

A child's newly erupted permanent teeth are more prone to decay than an adult’s teeth. The enamel layer on newly formed permanent teeth are softer. Fluoride, which is found in toothpaste and some drinking water, can  strengthen enamel over time, but it's hard to get fluoride into those pits and fissures consistently. Fortunately, there is a good solution to this problem: dental sealants.

Dental sealants are invisible plastic resin coatings that smooth out the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, making them resistant to decay. A sealed tooth is far less likely to develop a cavity, require more expensive dental treatment later on, or, most importantly, cause your child pain.

How Sealants Are Placed

The teeth to be sealed are first examined. If any minimal decay is found, it will be gently removed. The tooth will then be cleaned and dried. We'll then apply an "etching" solution to slightly roughen the tooth surface, for the sealant to better adhere to the tooth. The sealant is applied and hardened with an LED curing light. That's all there is to it!

Taking Care of Sealants

Sealed teeth require the same conscientious dental hygiene as unsealed teeth. Your child should continue to brush and floss his or her teeth daily and have regular professional cleanings. Checking for wear and tear on the sealants is important, though they should last for up to 10 years. During this time, your child will benefit from a preventive treatment proven to reduce decay by over 70%.