Care for Dental Sealants

By forming a thin covering over the pits and fissures of a tooth, sealants keep out plaque and food particles, thus decreasing the risk of decay. The covering is only over the biting surface of the tooth, and the areas on the side and between the teeth are not coated with the sealant. Good oral hygiene and nutrition are still very important to preventing decay next to these sealants or the areas that are unable to be covered.

Your child should refrain from eating ice or hard candy, which can fracture the sealant. Regular dental appointments are recommended in order for your child's dentist to be certain that their sealants remain in place.

The American Dental Association recognizes that sealants can play an important role in the prevention of tooth decay. When properly applied and maintained, they can successfully protect the chewing surfaces of your child's teeth. A total prevention program includes regular visits to the dentist, the use of fluoride, daily brushing and flossing, and limiting the number of times sugar-rich foods are eaten. If these measures are followed and sealants are used on the child's teeth, the risk of decay can be reduced and may even be eliminated!

Contact Casper Children's Dental Clinic if you have any questions!