Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a thin coat of clear resin that is applied to the biting surfaces of teeth, usually the rear molars. The back teeth are more prone to cavities because is difficult to reach them with a tooth brush and the surfaces contain pits and grooves that easily trap bacteria. It is hard for many adults to clean their back molars and almost impossible for our young Elizabethtown children.
Dental sealants fill in the pits and grooves on the rear molars to create a smooth surface. Elizabethtown family dentists most often recommend sealants for children’s permanent back teeth, though sometimes they are used for adults, too.
Elizabethtown parents may not realize how quickly a cavity can form in a young child’s mouth. Many Elizabethtown area kids that we see develop cavities even before they start kindergarten! It is vital that our local parents start regular dental visits early. The American Dental Association advises that a child’s initial dental exam take place soon after the first tooth erupts, but no later than the toddler’s first birthday.
Dental sealants protect teeth that have no decay (primary prevention) and also prevent further decay progression in teeth that show very early signs of disease (secondary prevention).
At Elizabethtown Dental Associates, we take special care of our Elizabethtown pediatric dental clients. We want each child’s dental visits to be pleasant and painless so they will never develop a fear of the dentist. We advise parents on the specific dental issues associated with each stage of childhood. Ask us about fluoride, sports mouthguards, and Invisalign invisible braces treatment.
I am Dr. Ed White of Elizabethtown Dental Associates. I don’t believe that childhood cavities are unavoidable. Call my office at 717-689-2055 to schedule a Elizabethtown pediatric dental exam.
I provide comprehensive restorative and cosmetic dentistry for Elizabethtown people of all ages. My office is located at 100 Continental Drive in Elizabethtown. You can learn more about my practice at http://www.etowndental.com/about/.
