Role of Sealants in Children’s Dentistry in Phillipsburg

The American Dental Association (ADA) states that one in seven children between the ages of six and twelve have tooth decay. The same organization also says that 60 percent of cavities can be prevented with the application of plastic sealants on premolars and molars. The doctors at DeMartino Dental Group use plastic sealants as an important–and safe–cavity preventive in their children’s dentistry practice in Philipsburg. Learn more about them here.

Just What are Plastic Sealants?

Plastic sealants are a clear to tooth-colored liquid painted on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. Beneficial for children and adults, sealants coat the deep grooves, fissures, and pits common to backmost teeth.

At DeMartino Advanced Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry, treatment with sealants is quick and comfortable. First, the hygienist cleans your child’s teeth to remove plaque and tartar. Then,

Dr. Nelida Garcia-Martino examines them for decay. If all is well, she dries the teeth and uses a special etching liquid to prepare the molars. This etching liquid roughens the tooth surface a bit so the sealant attaches well. Then, the doctor paints on the smooth liquid, hardening it with a curing light, and the treatment is complete.

Are Plastic Sealants Safe for My Children?

As an integral part of today’s children’s dentistry in Phillipsburg, NJ and across the country, plastic sealants have been closely scrutinized by dentists and researchers alike. The Children’s Dental Health Project maintains that sealants do contain a minuscule amount of BPA, or bisphenol-a, a plastic compound that has had medical and food industry applications for decades.

While exposure to large amounts of BPA has concerned medical professionals, the amount in sealants is so tiny that Dr. Garcia-DeMartino and other dental care providers do not see a problem in using it. Plus, the anti-cavity benefits of sealants are obvious and trackable, and they last for years.

What Else Prevents Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay results from oral bacteria–streptococcus mutans–that thrive in the carbs and sugars we consume. These starches form a sticky residue on and between teeth. Called plaque, this quickly-accumulating substance hardens into tartar. Both plaque and tartar play a significant role in gum disease, too.

To reduce plaque and tartar, the team at the Children’s Dental Health Center at DeMartino Dental Group recommends:

• Twice daily brushing with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste (non-fluoridated for babies and toddlers)
• Once a day flossing
• Drinking plenty of water to cleanse teeth and gums and stimulate saliva production
• A tooth-friendly diet, low in processed carbohydrates
• Semi-annual exams and professional cleanings

Find Out More

This award-winning and highly skilled group of dental professionals value preventive dentistry. Plastic sealants are an important part of their strategy to keep little smiles healthy, strong and bright. Please contact DeMartino Dental Group to learn more about the wide array of preventive, restorative and cosmetic treatments available for your entire family.