While toothbrush bristles and dental floss can remove plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth, they’re not always able to remove all the food particles stuck in the back teeth (molars and premolars).

A way to help prevent cavities in the back teeth is by using a dental sealant, which is a clear, white or tinted covering.

A dental sealant is applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth (depressions and grooves) and forms a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth to help protect the teeth from decay.

Children, teens and adults can all get dental sealants, but kids are usually prime candidates for sealants.

Usually children get dental sealants on their permanent molars and premolars (back teeth) as soon as these teeth come in. Molars and premolars continue coming in until eleven to thirteen years of age. The dental sealants can protect their teeth during the “cavity” years of ages 6 to 14. These teeth can be sealed after they have risen above the gum line.

While some parents might scoff at the idea of applying a dental sealant on a child’s baby teeth, dental sealants may help when a child’s baby teeth have deep depressions and grooves. Baby teeth hold the correct spacing for permanent teeth, so it’s good to keep baby teeth healthy so they are not lost too early.

A dentist or hygienist can apply dental sealant to your teeth or your child’s teeth.

To find out more about dental sealants for yourself or your child, please call (818) 508–7272 and make an appointment with us!