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When children are young, maintaining proper dental habits is essential for protecting them from tooth decay and gum disease. Thorough, effective brushing and flossing can be difficult for your little ones. Because of poor coordination, most preschool children cannot reach the molars in the back of the mouth, so they leave teeth exposed to harmful bacteria, sugars, and food particles. Thankfully, a simple dental procedure can help strengthen your child’s most vulnerable teeth. Livingston family dentists, Dr. David Silverstrom and Dr. Gary Silverstrom, explain how dental sealants help preserve the most important smiles in your life.

Safeguard Their Smiles

Typically, the molars and premolars in the back of the mouth are prime real estate forcavities. Food particles easily become lodged between back teeth, and they are often neglected when brushing. The surface of the molars features grooves, cracks, and uneven surfaces that allow plaque and food particles to sit on tooth enamel, which promotes decay. Dental sealants smooth molar surfaces, so food particles and plaque no longer have convenient hiding places. Sealants become a protective barrier, a force field if you will, to ward off acids, starches, sugars, plaque, tartar, and the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Applying Dental Sealants

To place sealants, the first step involves yourLivingston children’s dentist cleaning the teeth receiving the dental sealants. Once the teeth are clean and dry, a special solution will prepare the surface of the teeth for the procedure. We will apply a thin layer of plastic composite resin, shaded to blend with teeth, onto the prepared molars. Once thesealant coating dries, your child will have a new level of protection againstcavities.

On average, dental sealants provide up to ten years of protection. At regularcheckups, Dr. David or Gary Silverstrom will examine the sealants to ensure they remain intact. If the sealants show signs of wear, a new layer can be applied. Remember, proper dental care habits are still necessary for keeping your children’s smile healthy and bright. Make sure your child realizes the importance of regular brushing and flossing to preventcavities and gum disease.

Schedule an Appointment with Your Livingston Dentists

Do you think your child or teen may benefit from the application of dental sealants? Make an appointment with your Livingston family dentists today. Contact The Silverstrom Group in Livingston, New Jersey at (973) 797-9345. The Silverstrom Group is located at 580 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston, New Jersey.