Dental Sealants in Baltimore
Kids will always be kids. So when kids brush their teeth, they may not remove all bacteria and
food particles. Grooves in premolars and molars are narrow, which makes them hard to clean and
perfect places for plaque to build up. Dental sealants add an extra layer of protection over
deep grooves to keep out food, bacteria, and plaque.
What are dental sealants? They are thin plastic coatings that are painted on the surfaces of
teeth to protect the enamel from plaque and decay. Plaque is produced on the teeth when starch
and sugar particles (from food) mix with bacteria. Acids in the plaque can erode the tooth
enamel and create a cavity.
Dental sealants are not just for kids. Babies and even adults with a high risk of tooth decay
can have sealants done to prevent tooth loss. And because dental sealants are a preventive
dentistry treatment, most dental insurance plans cover them.
Parents who do not have dental insurance should still consider paying for dental sealants to
give them and their kids extra protection from cavities. A dental sealant treatment can cost
less than dental restorations to fix cavities.
To apply a dental sealant, a dentist cleans and dries the tooth. The dentist then applies an
acidic gel to roughen up the tooth’s surface so the dental sealant can stick to the tooth. The
dentist then applies the sealant to the tooth and uses a laser, or UV light, to harden it.
Dental sealants can help protect teeth for up to ten years. A dentist can monitor a child’s
teeth during annual check-ups in case the sealants need to be redone sooner.
If you would like to learn more about dental sealants for you or your child, please call our
office to make an appointment with the dentist who will answer all your questions and get you
and your child on the road to better oral health.
