You may have heard of dental sealants and be wondering if they are a good idea for your child. Any good dentist will tell you that they are indeed a good idea because they are a simple and effective method for protecting your child’s teeth from decay. Dr. Colin Osborne III is a dentist in Lumberton NC, where he provides dental services including dental sealants for children.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of a child’s back teeth where they form a sealed cover over the grooves. A sealant can be applied to primary and secondary teeth to protect them from decay.

Why Sealants Are a Good Idea

Lumberton parents choose dental sealants for their children because brushing doesn’t always reach. Even with the most careful brushing and flossing habits, some spots can still get missed. Sealants help to protect vulnerable areas such as the groves in the upper surfaces of the back teeth where food particles can become trapped and cause decay.

How Are Sealants Applied?

Dental sealants are easy for Dr. Osborne to apply. He simply brushes each tooth’s surface with a dental sealant, which is made from a plastic resin. Once applied, it will quickly bond with the tooth enamel and harden. During regular visits to Dr. Osborne, he will check the integrity of the sealant and reapply it as needed. As long as the sealant remains on the tooth, it will continue to protect the surface from decay. Your child must continue regular brushing and flossing. Typically, sealants can last for several years before it needs to be reapplied.

If you live in Lumberton and you would like to find out more about dental sealants, give Dr. Osborne a call today at 910-738-9396 to schedule an appointment.