Pediatric Dentistry

Dental Sealants in San Ramon

Dental sealants can’t prevent all cavities, but they significantly help reduce the risk of frequent cavities in children’s teeth. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is still crucial, with regular brushing and flossing essential for keeping a child’s mouth clean. Though tooth decay is common, many childhood cavities can be prevented with these measures.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that over 40% of children develop cavities in their baby teeth. Children often struggle to brush every corner of their mouth, making the deep grooves and depressions in back teeth particularly susceptible to decay. Inadequate or incomplete brushing allows plaque to accumulate in these problem areas.

Dental sealants provide a protective barrier against harmful bacteria. The sealant gel bonds with the tooth to form a hard surface that prevents food, debris, and bacteria from penetrating. Sealants are durable enough to withstand daily chewing and help prevent enamel erosion.

At DM Dentistry, we recommend dental sealants due to their effectiveness. The American Dental Association reports that sealants can reduce the risk of molar decay by nearly 80%. The CDC states, “school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants.” This results in fewer dental visits and less expensive treatments for future complications.

Sealants have been used in dentistry for over 50 years, during which time their long-term effects have been thoroughly studied. Institutions like the American Dental Association confirm that sealants are safe for children. Sealants play a crucial role in protecting a child’s oral health and significantly reducing the chances of tooth decay.

Maintaining oral hygiene can be challenging for children. Many skip their morning tooth-brushing or forget to floss at night, and busy parents might not notice these habits. However, consistently skipping brushing or flossing can lead to serious dental issues over time.

While sealants are not a substitute for regular brushing and flossing, they provide an added layer of protection by making it harder for bacteria and food particles to penetrate the enamel. This gives your child a bit more time to catch up on their oral hygiene routine. Dental sealants are especially beneficial for busy families with hectic schedules, offering crucial support in maintaining oral health.