Sealants in Houston, TX
Good dental hygiene habits are great for preventing cavities. However, young children don’t always brush their teeth thoroughly, and they may not floss. Our dentists in Houston, TX can keep their teeth healthy by applying sealants to them. This information is what parents should know about the protective coatings we use at North Star Dental Center.
What is a Sealant?
A dental sealant is a plastic coating that goes on the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars to prevent decay. Since a sealant starts as a liquid, it can seep into the cracks and crevices of teeth to protect them. As it dries, the liquid hardens into a plastic-like coating on the teeth that prevents debris, sugary substances, and bacteria from sticking to children’s teeth.
How is Sealant Applied?
Our dentists near you brushes on a sealant to your child’s back teeth starting at around five years old, when their first molars emerge. Teenagers as old as 14 can receive them as well to keep their teeth free from decay. Along with keeping substances off teeth, sealants in Houston, TX also release fluoride to protect teeth.
How Long Does a Sealant Last?
With normal wear and tear, a dental sealant can last as long as ten years. However, they can get holes or tears that our dentists in Houston, TX can quickly repair. All they do is brush more of the sealant over the damage and let it harden to fix it.
Is a Sealant Safe?
Since a sealant contains plastic, parents want to make sure they are safe for their kids. While they have bisphenol-A or BPA in them, sealants near you are safe because they only contain low amounts of the chemical. Our dentists near you can help reassure parents that the BPA in a sealant will not have adverse effects on their children while the sealant protects their teeth.
To keep your children’s teeth healthy, consult with our staff at North Star Dental Center to discuss preventative measures like adding dental sealants to your kid’s teeth to protect them. They can also recommend fluoride toothpaste and toothbrushes to help kids clean their teeth.