Ankeny Dentist Discusses Dental Sealants for Children

Children’s teeth are especially vulnerable to tooth decay. Brushing habits are not always as meticulous as they should be with kids that are just learning about oral hygiene. Convenient snack foods and juices that cater to children are generally quite high in sugar content. Your Ankeny dentist, Dr. Erika Peddicord, discusses how dental sealants can be added to the arsenal of weapons used to fight tooth decay in children.

Why Are Dental Sealants Necessary?

Indentations exist on our molars to help with the grinding of food. Unfortunately these microscopic pits and fissures can be very difficult to keep completely clean. Food particles that are caught in the grooves, and mix with bacteria, will create plaque, which causes tooth decay. Since toothbrush bristles don’t always reach the deepest pits and fissures, application of a dental sealant can help prevent cavities.

What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are made from plastic, and are painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The thin plastic hardens after it is applied, bonding to the enamel. This creates a protective barrier that will eliminate any opportunity for plaque to develop in the grooves of the teeth that are sealed. The procedure is safe and effective, and usually lasts several years. Sealants shouldn’t be visible to the naked eye during daily conversations and smiling, but the dentist can take a closer look to see if the sealants are intact at regular bi-annual checkups.

Sealants can be an important part of a child’s preventive dental care, along with fluoride and twice-daily brushing. If you, or your child, are due for your six-month exam, schedule an appointment with Dr. Peddicord at our Ankeny dentist office today, by calling (515) 963-3339. Peddicord Family Dentistry proudly serves patients in Ankeny, Cambridge, Sheldahl, Maxwell, Collins, the 50021 zip code, and surrounding communities.