Dental Sealants
Sellwood-Moreland and Portland, OR
Whole Health Dentistry offers dental sealants to help children avoid getting cavities. Brushing is very important, but children are at a higher risk of developing cavities, especially on their back teeth where it is harder to brush. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agrees that dental sealants are a beneficial prevention option, as well as inexpensive and relatively simple.
Dentists paint a thin plastic coating on the chewing surfaces of the teeth, mostly the teeth in the back of the mouth (molars and premolars). The sealant provides a protective shield over the tooth enamel by bonding into the nooks and crannies of the teeth. These grooves are more prone to developing cavities, because food and bacteria can get trapped inside. The sealant protects these vulnerable areas and is normally used in children from age 6 to 14, which is when they are more susceptible to cavities.
Sealants can last as long as 10 years, but they need to be routinely checked for wear or chips. Your dentist can replace the sealants as needed.
The staff at Whole Health Dentistry can help you with any insurance questions you may have. Most dental insurance companies will cover the cost of sealants for children under the age of 18.
