Tooth decay, which is known as dental caries, is the most widespread dental disease among children. However, we can help prevent or reduce the incidence of decay by applying sealants to your child's teeth.

WHAT CAUSES DECAY

Decay is caused by dental plaque, a thin, sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that constantly forms on everyone's teeth.

When you eat sugar, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack the tooth enamel. After repeated acid attacks, the enamel breaks down, and a cavity (hole) is formed.

WHAT IS A SEALANT

A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars), where decay occurs most often. This sealant acts as a barrier, protecting the decay-prone areas of the back teeth from plaque and acid.

WHY ARE SEALANTS NECESSARY

Sealants form a thin covering over the pits and fissures on teeth, keeping out plaque and food and reducing the risk of decay.

WHO SHOULD HAVE SEALANTS APPLIED

Children receive the greatest benefit from having sealants applied to their teeth, especially to newly erupted permanent teeth. Sealants are recommended for all children, even those who receive topical applications of fluoridated water.

SEALING TREATMENT AT CROYDON DENTAL

Each tooth takes only a few minutes to seal. Tooth sealing only takes 3 steps:

• ›  First, we clean the teeth that will be sealed.
• ›  Second, we etch (roughen) the chewing surfaces with a weak acidic solution to help the sealant stick to the teeth.
• ›  Last, we brush the sealant on the tooth enamel and allow it to harden. Some sealants need a special curing light to help them harden; others do not.

Several years after the first sealing, you may need to have your or your child's teeth re-sealed to keep teeth protected from decay.

Contact us at Croydon Dental if your child has a newly erupted tooth, to get their teeth protected with sealants.