Reducing your child's risk of tooth decay can be as simple as adding sealants to his or her pre-molars and molars. Shelby Township, MI, dentist Dr. Shikha Sood of Sood Family Dental helps her young patients protect their smiles with this important preventative treatment.

What are sealants?

Pre-molars and molars, the teeth at the back of the mouth, contain pits and grooves that make biting, tearing and chewing food much easier. Unfortunately, those tiny pits can also collect cavity-causing plaque, increasing your child's tooth decay risk. Brushing does remove much of the plaque from the teeth, but the pits are so small that sometimes they can't be reached by toothbrush bristles. Sealants fill in the pits, preventing plaque from building up in those areas.

Liquid sealants are brushed on to your child's teeth during a procedure that only takes a few minutes. Your child's teeth are cleaned and brushed with an etching solution that helps the resin sealants to stick to the teeth. After the sealants are applied, your child's Shelby Township dentist hardens them with a curing light. Your child can eat or drink normally immediately after leaving the dental office.

Are sealants a good choice for my son or daughter?

Sealants are helpful for anyone who wants to avoid tooth decay, but they're particularly important for children. Newly erupted pre-molars and molars can be a little weak and more susceptible to tooth decay. Applying sealants protects these teeth and helps your son or daughter avoid cavities.

Although a cavity might seem like a minor problem, tooth decay can be very destructive. Even a small amount of decay can weaken the structure of the tooth and make it more likely that your child may need other dental treatments in the future. Fortunately, it's easy to avoid these problems by adding sealants to teeth.

Many dental insurance plans cover sealants for children, making them a cost-effective anti-cavity solution. Your child's teeth will be protected for up to a year after the sealants are applied, although he or she may need to replace a sealant earlier if it wears off due to grinding or clenching.

Sealants protect your child's smile! Call Shelby Township, MI, dentist Dr. Shikha Sood of Sood Family Dental at (586) 207-1471 to schedule your son or daughter's appointment.