Why Are Dental Sealants So Important?

If you are a parent or guardian, you probably worry about how to teach your children good oral care habits. Proper dental hygiene is crucial for young children to learn because it can mean a world of difference for their oral health in the long run. But sometimes, even with a good brushing and flossing routine, cavities can form anyway. This is why Hale Family Dental offers dental sealants. A dental sealant is a protective coating of plastic or other dental material, applied to the chewing surfaces of your back molars, that protects teeth from cavities.

Sealants are like raincoats for your teeth. When we eat, the bacteria in our mouths react with the food particles to produce acids which can form cavities on our teeth. A sealant covers the tiny spaces in the molars, so food can’t get in and the tooth is protected from cavities – like how a raincoat shields you from the rain.

They are especially beneficial for children learning how to take care of their teeth. Sealants are no substitute for daily brushing and flossing; however, they add an extra defense against cavities. By the time children start school, 40% of them will develop cavities due to sugary diets and poor dental care habits. Sealants can reduce the risk of cavities in molars by almost 80%, and children without sealants will develop nearly three times more cavities than children with sealants.

Are you interested in dental sealants and want to learn more? Call or stop by Hale Family Dental; we will be happy to answer your questions!