The biting surfaces of front teeth are narrow, with nooks for bacteria to nest in. Molars, the back teeth, have deeper grooves on their biting surfaces. The design of molars makes them efficient at grinding food into easy-to-swallow portions. They have peaks, grooves, and pits that enable a solid grip on food. The uneven biting surfaces also create sharp cutting edges that help grind food.
However, this effective design comes with a trade-off: function at the expense of easy cleaning. The rough surfaces that enable efficient chewing are also perfect hideouts for plaque, food debris, and bacteria. Some kids have molars with naturally deep grooves and pits that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. Such teeth are especially vulnerable to cavities and tooth decay.
Additionally, dental sealants can correct this vulnerability by shielding the enamel from plaque accumulation, food debris, and bacteria. Sealants have other applications, but protecting the molars is the treatment’s oldest and most common use.
Dental sealant bonds to the surface of a tooth, unlike a regular filling that goes inside the tooth. This makes the application of sealant a quick and painless affair that only takes a few minutes. The benefits of applying sealants to the molars of young children include:
A pediatric dentist will recommend sealants for younger patients to ensure the proper growth and development of their teeth. The following benefits can extend into adulthood.
Permanent molars erupt in two phases, the first between the ages of five and seven. The second set of molars erupts between the ages of 10 and 14. Dentists often recommend dental sealants for preteens as soon as their permanent molars erupt.
The wisdom teeth are the last molars to grow in and are infamous for causing oral health issues. A dentist might recommend dental sealants for wisdom teeth that grow normally and do not need to be extracted. This usually happens in the late teens, although it can also happen in adulthood. Keep in mind that it is normal for dental sealants to have general wear and tear over time. However, the average patient will not need a touch-up for years.
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Dental sealants protect the teeth against tooth sensitivity, cavities, and decay. If you suspect your child is experiencing any of these conditions or it is time for their next appointment, contact our Richmond office today.
Request an appointment or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at 832-579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
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