Protecting your child's precious smile is high on your list of priorities as a parent, and your children's dentist can help!
We love seeing children at our Los Gatos dental office, and one procedure Dr. Pagonis recommends to protect small smiles is dental sealants. Dr. Pagonis often recommends dental sealants for kids around seven or eight years old as their molars start erupting. Here's what you should know about dental sealants.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Sealants are thin layers of plastic that coat the chewing surfaces of your child's molars to protect them from the acids and bacteria that cause tooth decay. Children often have difficulties keeping their teeth clean after brushing and flossing, and dental sealants add an extra layer of protection against tooth decay and cavities.
Dental sealants are easy to apply to your child's teeth during a simple, non-invasive procedure that often doesn't even require a dental anesthetic. Normal brushing and flossing after that will keep sealants intact for several years as your child acquires the skills and dexterity needed for optimal brushing and flossing.
What Are the Benefits of Tooth Sealants?
Our dental hygienists notice that kids with dental sealants applied to their teeth generally have fewer instances of tooth decay than those without sealants.
Sealants also fill in the pits and grooves of your teeth, which can trap or hide bacteria and lead to tooth decay and cavities. They offer excellent additional protection during a time when your child may not be able to brush their teeth thoroughly and effectively.
If you have dental insurance, sealants are often covered because they are a preventive procedure, leaving you with very little out-of-pocket expense to protect your child's smile.
Do You Have Questions about Children's Dentistry in Los Gatos?
Contact our team at (408) 399-3920 to learn more about dental sealants or to book a dental appointment for your child.