Dental Sealants Specialist

What does a dental sealant do for my child's teeth?

Dental sealants are transparent or white coatings that the Tustin Dental Center team applies to the crowns of your child's teeth. The main role of dental sealants is preventive. Your child's teeth, particularly the molars in back, have many small grooves and crevices where food and plaque can hide. 

Children might not do a perfect job of teeth cleaning, especially in the hard-to-reach molars, which makes sealants especially helpful. Sealants keep food and plaque out of these areas to help your child avoid tooth decay. 

What is the best age to get dental sealants?

Children can get dental sealants as early as age six, depending on their oral health and risk for cavities. Most kids get their second set of molars at about age 12, so that's also a good time for sealants. The Tustin Dental Center team can recommend a sealant plan for your child. 

Is dental sealant application uncomfortable or painful?

Not at all. Children generally find the process completely painless and easy. Before applying dental sealants, the Tustin Dental Center team cleans the teeth to ensure optimal adhesion. After the dental care team paints the sealants onto the tooth enamel, it hardens almost instantly, and the process is complete. 

Your child will probably be able to feel the new sealant with their tongue, but it's a very subtle change that they'll adapt to almost immediately. 

What else can my child do to prevent cavities?

Sealants do a great deal to prevent tooth decay, but they're definitely not the only thing your child needs to have good oral health. It's also important to brush and floss carefully every day with fluoridated toothpaste. 

Schedule dental exams and cleanings every six months. Regular exams and cleanings can discover any emerging oral health problems so you can treat them promptly. A low-sugar diet is also integral for both good oral health and overall health, so try to avoid added sugar as much as possible. 

How long do sealants last?

Dental sealants can last 5-10 years, and they wear away naturally over time.

Dental sealants are one of the best safeguards you can give your child. Reach out to the Tustin Dental Center team by phone or book an appointment online now.