This updated post was originally published on June 4, 2018. During a recent dental visit, your dentist may have recommended sealants for you or your child. But what exactly are dental sealants, and why are they important? A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating your dentist applies to the chewing surfaces of teeth to...
Category: <span>Sealants</span>
What Are Dental Sealants Made Of? (And Are They Toxic?)
Dental sealants are a preventive dental treatment designed to protect teeth from decay and cavities. They are commonly recommended for children and teenagers, but adults can benefit from them as well. One concern that often arises when discussing dental sealants is their composition. Dental sealants are made of safe and reliable materials, none of which...
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last? And Are They Worth It?
Dental sealants provide a preventive measure, offering an additional layer of protection for teeth against cavities and decay. But how long can a patient count on dental sealants to stay effective? Learn about the durability of dental sealants, the factors that influence their longevity, and how a patient can ensure their optimal performance. What are...
Are Dental Sealants Right for Your Kid?
Dental sealants are usually used to prevent cavities. But sometimes they can be used to seal up minor cavities as well. Whether sealants are right for your kid depends on many things. For example, one child’s back teeth might be smooth. Another’s could be full of nooks and crannies. Also, a small cavity might be...
Can Adults Get Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a safe and effective way to prevent cavities for kids. But are they just for kids? After all, tooth decay can still happen at any age. Why shouldn’t adults get dental sealants, too? Instead of asking “can adults get sealants?” (the short answer: They can), a more relevant question is whether the...
Should You Put Sealants on Baby Teeth?
It is natural for parents to want what is best for their kids, and that includes their dental health. To prevent cavities, some parents invest in dental sealants for their children. How young is too young to get sealants? Can a dentist put sealants on baby teeth? While sealants are typically applied to permanent teeth,...
Symptoms of Cavities in Kids
One CDC report estimates that one in five children between the ages of 5 and 11 have at least one untreated cavity. In fact, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease for children in that age group. Unfortunately, that means that most kids will get a cavity sooner or later. The good news is...
The Scary Truth About Halloween and Dental Work
Kids aren’t the only ones who enjoy Halloween goodies. Plenty of adults like to eat candy and treats too. Everyone has heard warnings about Halloween treats that can cause cavities, but they can also wreak havoc with dental restorations and orthodontics. That goes for kids’ fillings or sealants as well as grownups’ bridgework or Invisalign. ...
Help! My Kid Has a Mouth Full of Cavities!
The last thing a parent wants to hear at the dentist is that his or her kid has a bunch of cavities. Not only are fillings and additional expense, but most parents feel a certain amount of guilt when their children have cavities. In reality, cavities are common and can pop up in children and...
Answers to 9 Common Questions About Dental Care for Kids
Seeing your child smile is one of the joys of parenthood. Taking care of their teeth can help protect that smile. When it comes to dental care for kids, parents have a lot of questions. A select group of dentists shared—and answered—the most common ones they encounter. 1. When Should I Make My Kid’s First...