The dental sealants your dentist applied to your child’s molars and premolars are an inexpensive way to protect the biting surface of those teeth. The resin material of the sealants blocks bacteria from being able to exploit residual plaque and food particles to cause decay in the enamel. Even though the resin is durable and will last for several years, the rest of the tooth is still vulnerable to tooth decay.
Make sure your child understands that the sealants were only applied to the biting surfaces of their back teeth. They will still need to brush and floss their teeth twice per day to keep tooth decay from occurring on other surfaces and to prevent tartar buildup near the gum line. If tartar buildup is left unchecked, it can lead to gum disease.
The resin material is designed to be durable and will not wear off of the biting surfaces from regular brushing. Your dentist will continue to monitor the sealants during their twice-annual dental checkup. If the sealants are wearing off, they may suggest having them reapplied for continued protection.
If you have any questions about dental sealants, please call us at 505.292.6414 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping your child maintain their teeth for many years to come.