You know you’ve seen them do it: your kids are brushing their teeth and doing a great job with the front teeth but when it comes to the molars? Not so much. It’s tough to get back there and if your kids have tightly packed together teeth, it’s even more difficult to reach the food particles that DO find a way to get wedged in.

Of course, a proper regimen of flossing as well as brushing is the ideal but what if it’s just not enough?

You do have an option to preventatively deal with molars and premolar chewing surfaces, which might save your kids from more extensive procedures like fillings, later on: dental sealants. Keeping permanent molars free of cavities is a valid preventative treatment option.

What is a dental sealant?

A dental sealant is basically a thin plastic coating that is placed on the ‘at risk’ teeth and sealed on with with a curing light. It’s a fast, simple procedure, taking from 10 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of teeth receiving the coating.

 

Is there a downside to using dental sealants?

Most sealant compounds contain trace amounts of BPA – bisphenol-A. More recent formulations of sealant contain only trace amounts, which dissipate post application, however.

“… the question of toxicology is a question of dose. Trace amounts are the amount of things you breathe in the air, and in what you drink. You can find a few molecules per billions of BPA in dental sealants today. But it’s like NYC drinking water. It’s among the cleanest drinking water in the U.S., yet with sensitive tools, you can detect trace amounts of lead and mercury.”
The Canadian Dental Association agrees, saying: “The amount of bisphenol A that comes from dental sealants has always been extremely small and limited to a few specific products. As well, this very minimal exposure occurs within the first few hours/days after placement, and then quickly reduces to virtually nothing.”

 

How long will the sealant last?

Dental sealants can last up to 10 years, which makes them particularly useful with children because they will help protect their molars during those years when perhaps the brushing isn’t always as diligent as we would hope! We can check on the condition of the sealant at regular check ups and re-apply if necessary.
Make regular visits to your family dentist a part of your children’s oral health plan. Orion Dental specializes in children’s dentistry, and with offices conveniently located in Milton (905-636-9770) and Scarborough, (416-291-0306) we’re never too far away! Call us today to book an appointment for you and your family!