Sealing out decay to keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong with preventative dental sealants

Just because your back teeth are not visible does not mean they require any less attention! In fact, your extended “dental family” at Groat Pediatric Dentistry in San Pedro, California, encourages children to take special care when brushing, flossing, and otherwise cleaning these “hidden teeth.” However, we also appreciate that there are special challenges to keeping these teeth free of the foods and bacteria that promote the development of destructive decay. Notably, it can be challenging for kids with little mouths and developing motor skills to reach and thoroughly brush those teeth properly. So, we may recommend a “helper” in the form of dental sealants. 

Sealing out tooth decay 

Dental sealants are a quick, painless, easy, non-invasive, and inexpensive way to protect your child’s teeth from damage that leads to discomfort, costly restorative care, and even tooth loss. This dental service simply involves our dentist, Dr. Christopher Groat, “painting” on a safe and transparent liquid that is then hardened to form a protective coating over the back teeth. 

These teeth can be difficult for both kids and adults alike to clean. Not only are they at the very back of our mouths, but they also feature grooved surfaces. These nooks and crannies tend to trap food particles. When left on the teeth, food can mix with harmful bacteria to form plaque. This process also gives rise to acids that can eventually break down the teeth, causing cavities and other damage. 

Given these challenges, it is no surprise that nine out of ten cavities form in these back teeth! We can stop these trends with the sealant process. 

Ask us about sealants today!

Sealants require minimal preparation. We just need to ensure the teeth are clean and dry before painting on the sealant material. The material itself is safe, and the procedure is well tolerated. In fact, it helps to protect against the sensitivity and discomfort associated with early-stage enamel erosion and later decay. It just takes a few minutes for us to apply and harden the sealant using a special curing light. So, we can often easily integrate this service into your child’s regular hygiene appointments. Plus, Dr. Groat can monitor the state and condition of the sealant during your check-ups. Sealants can last a long time, but we may need to repair or replace them later. 

Also, while they are appropriate for kids of all ages, sealants may be recommended as soon as the first permanent back teeth start coming in at around six. Call Groat Pediatric Dentistry of San Pedro, CA, at (310) 832-5133 to learn more about sealants and myriad other products and services available to keep your child’s smile happy and healthy.