Can Dental Sealants Protect Your Child from Cavities?

When it comes to protecting your child from cavities, one of the best defenses is dental sealants. See how they can protect your child. What are dental sealants? Dental sealants are extremely thin, plastic coatings that get brushed directly onto teeth to provide a protective barrier against tooth decay. These tooth sealants literally seal out the plaque and particles that get trapped in teeth and cause cavities. Dental sealants are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth toward the back of the mouth, which tend to have deep grooves and crevices that can be difficult to clean. Yet depending on your child’s needs, your pediatric dentist in Bradenton may also apply them on other teeth that are vulnerable to cavities. When should a child get them? According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), most cases of children’s cavities could have been prevented if the child had received dental sealants as soon as their teeth were ready. And research has shown that receiving tooth sealants results in 86 percent fewer cavities after one year. This proven protection is why tooth sealants are such a popular treatment in most family dentistry clinics. The general guideline for placement is that dental sealants should be applied to a child’s permanent teeth as soon as they erupt through the gums—typically between the ages of 6 and 13. What’s involved in the procedure? The procedure for applying dental sealants is extremely fast and completely painless. Your pediatric dentist in Bradenton simply cleans and prepares the teeth being sealed, and then brushes the liquid sealant onto the teeth. After 60 seconds, the tooth sealants are set and your child is protected. Dental sealants are very strong and can last for up to 10 years with proper care and regular dental check-ups at your family dentistry clinic. To learn about our family dentistry practice in Bradenton, call today at or make an appointment. Manatee Dental offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Bradenton. With 2 affiliated practices in the Bradenton area, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At , we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at .