The journey of your child’s teeth is a long one; they’ll go through the teething phase, teething rashes, losing their baby teeth, and then finally growing in their permanent teeth.  Once you get here, the biggest concern you’ll have is maintaining their oral health.  To do so, they should brush and floss their teeth at least twice a day, have a healthy diet, and see the best pediatric dentist in Midland Park every 6 months.  At the Bergen County NJ pediatric dental specialist, they will remove any built-up debris in your child’s teeth to protect against cavities.  There’s also one other way, however, that you can protect your child’s teeth: dental sealants.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants form a thin cover over the pits and fissures of their teeth, therefore keeping out food and decay.

What is the purpose of dental sealants?

By keeping out food and decay, dental sealants protect against cavities.  Studies show that they protect against 80% of cavities in the first 2 years, and against 50% for 4 years.

At what age should my child get dental sealants?

When your child’s permanent teeth grow in, they are ready to get dental sealants; this is usually between 5 and 7 years of age.  That being said, you are never too old to get these sealants, as they can protect any age from cavities, even adults.

How long do sealants last?

Dental sealants can last up to 10 years.  They should be checked regularly, though, by the best pediatric dentist in Midland Park, as they can identify if they need to be replaced.

How do you maintain the dental sealants?

Along with check-ups at your Bergen County NJ pediatric dental specialist, you should also maintain your child’s hygiene routine.  In addition, your child should stay away from foods that are sugary, sticky, or too hard.  These kinds of food may cause the dental sealants to break or pull loose from the tooth.

If you have any questions about dental sealants, one of our Bergen County NJ pediatric dental specialists can answer any of your questions.