Dr. Kate Steele of Steele Dentistry in Central Park, Denver, Colorado, understands the importance of protecting your child’s mouth against cavities. Early prevention is a key part of ensuring a lifetime of beautiful smiles. An easy way to protect your child against tooth decay is through the use of dental sealants. To learn more about how dental sealants can keep your child’s teeth healthy, call our practice today at 303-278-3353 to schedule your appointment.
Because the back teeth are designed for chewing, they come equipped with ridges that help to grind your food and make it easier to digest. However, your toothbrush may not reach into the areas created by the ridges. So, plaque, food particles and even acids can make use of those areas to accumulate and cause cavities. A dental sealant is a thin layer of plastic that is applied to the chewing surface of your child’s tooth. Once the sealant has been cured, the tooth will have an extra barrier against those substances that can cause tooth decay. The entire treatment can be done in a single visit, and a sealant can last up to 10 years.
Sealants are most effective when they are applied right after the back teeth erupt, and are often used for children between the ages of 6 and 12 years of age. This is also the time in a child’s life when he or she is most vulnerable to cavities. However, adults who are at a greater-than-normal risk of cavities may also benefit from sealants. To learn more about dental sealants or to schedule an appointment with our Denver dentist, please call out office today.