Dental Sealants in San Antonio, TX

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are extremely thin, clear coatings that are placed over the top of molars. Sealants act as a barrier between the grooves of the teeth and harmful bacteria that tend to collect in these hard-to-brush areas. This helps prevent tooth decay from occurring on areas of the teeth that are difficult to keep clean, especially for children. Sealants are quick and easy to apply, and they are an affordable preventive measure. Patients cannot see or feel dental sealants either, which makes them like invisible superheroes for their teeth!

Should my child receive dental sealants or fluoride treatments?

Our team strongly recommends that children receive both! Once dental sealants are placed on the molars, they can last up to 10 years, which means they are not a treatment that patients receive often. Fluoride treatments, on the other hand, involve placing a fluoride varnish on the teeth that gets absorbed and helps strengthen tooth enamel, and they can be performed every six months. By utilizing both of these treatments in addition to regular teeth cleanings and exams, your child will be well on their way to maintaining a healthy smile.

When should my child receive dental sealants?

Patients as young as five years old can benefit from having dental sealants placed on the molars that they have. As kids start losing their baby teeth and their adult molars begin growing in, another sealant treatment should be scheduled so that all of their molars are protected. While dental sealants are commonly recommended for children to keep their teeth free of decay from a young age, there is no age limit for dental sealants, so you are welcome to ask our team about sealants even if your child is in their preteens or teenage years.