Has your dentist suggested sealing your child’s teeth? Do you know what that means and how it is done? Dental sealants have been around since the 1960s, but they are not very well-known. In fact, less than one-third of American children have had their teeth sealed. Sealants are a great way to prevent your child from having to get their teeth filled because they help protect against tooth decay. Take our true and false quiz below to find out how much you know about dental sealants.
True or False
- True or False: Dental sealants are not popular because they do not protect well.
- True or False: Sealants are not popular because they are hard to place.
- True or False: Sealants even protect the nooks and crannies in your teeth.
- True or False: Sealants only take minutes to apply.
Answers:
- False: Having your children’s teeth sealed helps keep their teeth safe from decay and healthy for several years to come. Resin sealants are strong enough to withstand chewing and can last for years. Both children and adults can benefit from sealants.
- False: Dental sealants are easy to apply and painless.
- True: Sealants are a liquid plastic resin material that is painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth. The liquid resin seeps into the grooves and depressions of the teeth and hardens into a protective plastic barrier that protects the tooth enamel from harmful plaque and acids.
- True: Sealants can be applied within minutes. Application includes: cleaning and drying the tooth, applying a solution that roughens the tooth so the sealant adheres better, rinsing and drying the tooth again, painting on the sealant. The sealant then hardens within seconds.
ABOUT YOUR GARLAND DENTIST:
Dr. Vi Mai and the caring staff at Mai Dentistry are dedicated to ensuring that our patients are proud of their beautiful, healthy smiles. With years of experience in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, we can expertly diagnose and treat early dental trouble to preserve your natural tooth structure. To learn more, or to schedule your next appointment, call us today at (972) 530-0552.
