As your child’s permanent molars emerge from their gums, it’s natural for there to be deep pits and fissures on their biting surfaces. Even though this helps your child efficiently chew and grind hard foods, it can also serve as a trap for plaque and residual food particles. If these areas are not thoroughly cleaned by daily brushing, it can lead to the formation of large cavities.
If your dentists find signs of poor oral hygiene habits during the course of your child’s routine dental checkup, they might recommend dental sealants.
Dental sealants are durable, plastic resin that your dentists carefully paint onto the biting surface of each molar and premolar. A special ultraviolet light is then used to harden the resin.
If plaque and food particles get stuck in the deep pits and contours, the resin effectively creates a protective barrier that prevents bacteria from having direct access to the tooth enamel.
Dental sealants in Falls Church, Virginia, are very durable and they can help protect the biting surfaces of back teeth for several years. They will not be worn away by the course of brushing or flossing.
If you are interested in learning more about how dental sealants can help protect your child’s back teeth, you can always call our office at 703-241-0666 to set up an appointment with your dentists, Drs. Hauptman and Rowhani.