Dr. Kami Hoss: A Primer on Baby Teeth Sealants

The back teeth may be out of sight, but they should never be out of mind regarding dental health. According to Dr. Kami Hoss of The Super Dentists, pitted and grooved back teeth are particularly susceptible to tooth decay. These hard-to-reach areas can trap food particles and plaque, leading to cavities and other dental problems. That's why ensuring proper cleaning and care for those back teeth is crucial, including regular dental check-ups and cleanings to catch any potential issues before they escalate. Don't let those hard-to-reach areas go unnoticed - prioritize your oral health, starting from the back teeth.

It is where dental sealants come in.

Dental sealants provide a protective coating that prevents food particles and bacteria from getting lodged in these pits and grooves and causing tooth decay.

A dental sealant is a thin plastic material applied to the surfaces for chewing on the molars and premolars. It creates a barrier between them and cavity-causing bacteria. Most dentists recommend using dental sealant on permanent teeth as soon as they arrive. It gives children and teenagers cavity protection in the crucial years. Most dentists also recommend applying sealants on permanent back teeth when they come out.

Since dental sealants can last up to 10 years if properly cared for, they provide children and teenagers with cavity protection during the years their teeth are most vulnerable to tooth decay, Dr. Kami Hoss explains.

In some cases, however, a dentist might recommend the application of a dental sealant on a baby's milk teeth. While milk teeth are typically smooth, some babies naturally have milk teeth that have grooves and fissures. Since milk teeth save space for permanent teeth, keeping them healthy and protected is best to prevent early tooth loss.

Dental sealants have been available to the public since the 1960s and are covered by many dental insurance plans. However, Dr. Kami Hoss mentions that less than 20 percent of American children have them. Dental sealants can go a long way in protecting milk teeth and permanent teeth alike, and their application is quick and painless. That is why parents should consider them for their kids.

Parents interested in getting dental sealants to protect their children from early tooth decay should visit their dentist to discuss their options.

Make oral care your top priority. Learn more about the importance of proper oral hygiene by reading these posts by super dentist Dr. Kami Hoss.