What Parents Should Understand About Pediatric Dental Sealants in Greensboro, NC

It is not uncommon for a parent to wonder if dental sealant will make a difference and protect their children’s teeth from cavities. The good news for parents is yes, dental sealants do reduce tooth damage. Even better is that for those in the Greensboro, NC area, Dr. Sona Isharani and the team at Triad Pediatric Dentistry provide dental sealant treatment for children that will protect the little nooks and crannies of their teeth from attacking cavity-causing bacteria.

The CDC Fully Backs Dental Sealants

According to a new Vital Signs Report that was put out by the CDC, it has been found that 80 percent of cavities can be prevented by sealants in school-aged children. Dental sealants, a protective coating that is applied to the teeth, protect the smallest nooks and crannies of the tooth from tooth decay-causing bacteria. This same report also shows that children who do not receive dental sealants are missing out on this protection. It has been found that nearly 60 percent of children, ages 6 to 11, do not receive sealants and, as a result, get nearly three times as many cavities.

How Dental Sealant Works

Dental sealants are typically applied to the chewing surface of a child’s rear teeth. This is because these teeth are more likely to develop cavities as most chewing occurs here. Dental sealant is made from a resin material which can infiltrate grooves throughout the surface of the tooth to protect from cavity-causing bacteria. When bacteria are allowed to settle into these grooves, it turns into an acid that wears away at the tooth. The sealant’s sole purpose is to prevent this and, thus, prevent the chances your child will develop a cavity.

It is recommended that sealants be used on children around the age of 6 and then again at or around 12. This second round of sealant is important because this is when the adult molars will begin to come in. A dental sealant treatment can last from four to eight years. The lifespan of a sealant can be affected by factors including the way a child chews, what they eat, and the temperature of foods being eaten.

If you are interested in learning more about dental sealant or would like to schedule an appointment for your child to receive this protection, please call Dr. Sona Isharani at Triad Pediatric Dentistry by dialing (336) 804-8668.