Dental Sealants – DuPont, WA

Providing Effective Cavity Protection

Mother and child with healthy smiles after dental sealants

Avoiding tooth decay is a tall order for small children. Lurking behind those sweet smiles are millions of oral bacteria that can lead to cavities. In addition, keeping those bacteria in check can be difficult for little hands that do not yet have the dexterity or coordination to brush and floss their teeth well. What can we do to help? With dental sealants in DuPont, WA, your dental team at DuPont Family Dentistry can actually build a barrier between teeth and decay-causing bacteria.

Why Choose DuPont Family Dentistry for Dental Sealants?

  • Friendly, Helpful Dental Team
  • Knowledgeable, Skilled Dentists
  • Early and Late Appointments

What are Dental Sealants?

Animated smile during dental sealant placement

Dental sealants go on as a liquid plastic and dry to a solid in order to prevent bacteria and acids from destroying your children’s teeth. Sealants are typically applied to molars because these teeth have deep pits and grooves where food particles can easily become trapped. Once there, these tiny remnants of food provide a complete meal for oral bacteria. Like all living organisms, bacteria excrete waste, which in this case is highly acidic. These acids are what begin to attack tooth enamel and can eventually lead to a cavity.

How Are Dental
Sealants Applied?

Closeup of smile during dental sealant placement

These protective coatings are easily applied. After cleaning, teeth are dried, and a mild solution is applied to the chewing surfaces of your child’s molars. This acts similarly to sandpaper, roughing the surface in order to create a stronger bond between tooth and sealant. After a few seconds, the solution is rinsed away, teeth are dried again, and the plastic sealant material is painted onto the enamel surfaces of your child’s back teeth. The liquid plastic seeps into the crevices, completely covering enamel. A curing light is then used to harden sealants quickly. For as long as these sealants are in place, your children’s molars are protected against decay. Your dentist in DuPont will check the integrity of sealants at each of your son or daughter’s checkups. Worn or missing sealants can be reapplied.

Other Ways to Prevent
Tooth Decay

Mother and daughter brushing teeth to prevent tooth decay

In addition to dental sealants, there are other steps you can take to help your children avoid cavities:

  • Make sure your children use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
  • Brush with a fluoride toothpaste that is approved by the American Dental Association.
  • Supervise your children’s brushing.
  • Give your children healthy meals with fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fish, and whole grains.
  • Limit sweet treats and snacks in between meals.

Schedule biannual dental cleanings and examinations at DuPont Family Dentistry!