Dental Sealants
Tampa, Florida
As a parent, you want to do everything you can to keep your little one smiling big, and we at Reef Kids Dental are here to help. We are pleased to offer a range of preventive services, including dental sealants, to protect your child’s teeth from tooth decay and cavities. Visit our Tampa office to experience preventive dental care at its best!
What Are Dental Sealants?
Your child’s back teeth, known as the premolars and molars, have deep grooves and crevices that are difficult to clean even with proper brushing and flossing, leaving them susceptible to cavities. This is where dental sealants come in to help. These white, protective coatings fill every nook and cranny on the chewing surfaces of your child’s permanent molars, essentially sealing out plaque, bacteria, and food particles. Dental sealants have been shown to significantly lower the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
When Should Your Child Have Dental Sealants Placed?
We highly recommend placing dental sealants soon after the permanent molars come in, around ages six and twelve. Sealing these teeth early on is the best way to provide maximum protection, helping prevent tooth decay. If your child or teen has missed the 6-year or 12-year mark, the best time to place sealants is now!
What Is the Dental Sealant Procedure?
Applying sealants is a simple and painless process. Our dentist or hygienist will start by cleaning and drying the teeth to be sealed and then apply an etching gel to make it easier for the sealant to bond to the tooth surfaces. Next is painting the sealant material onto your child’s teeth and using a special curing light to harden it. The entire process takes a few minutes per tooth to complete. Sealants may need touch-ups or to be replaced in the future. Studies show that even if a sealant is lost, there are still protective benefits left behind deep down in the groove.
How Should You Care for Sealed Teeth?
Placing dental sealants is no substitute for maintaining good oral hygiene. Make sure your child continues to brush and floss regularly to keep those pearly whites shiny and bright. Limit sugary or acidic foods and drinks to lower the risk of tooth decay and cavities. It is also a good idea to avoid hard foods or candies and habits such as chewing ice, which can damage the sealant material as well as your child’s tooth enamel.
Visiting Reef Kids Dental for routine dental exams and cleanings is another important way to care for your child’s smile. Our team will monitor your child’s teeth and dental sealants to ensure they stay in tip-top shape. If we see any signs of damage or wear, we may recommend replacing the sealants to maintain maximum protection against cavities.
Dental Sealants Near Me in Tampa, FL
If you would like to learn more about preventing cavities with dental sealants, visit Reef Kids Dental today! Our experienced pediatric dentist and kid-friendly team are committed to ensuring our young patients enjoy healthy smiles that last.
Are you ready to get started? Call our office at (813) 845-8722 to schedule your appointment or request one online today. We look forward to caring for your child's smile!