Armor For Your Teeth
What are sealants?
Knights wear armor to protect them in battle. Sealants are like armor for your teeth. They seal the parts of your teeth you use to chew, and keep out the food and bacteria that make cavities. Cavities are holes in your teeth.
Sealants are put on your back teeth. These teeth are called molars and premolars. The tops of these teeth have little grooves. Food gets stuck in these grooves and a toothbrush can't always get it out.
Sealants fill in the grooves and keep the food out.
When do I get sealants?
Your dentist or hygienist will put sealants on your teeth when your adult teeth come in. Your first back teeth come in when you are about 6 years old. You will have to go back to the dentist to get more sealants when the rest of your back teeth come in — when you are between 11 and 14 years old. Your dentist might put sealants on your baby teeth if you get cavities easily or if you have trouble brushing your teeth well.
Does it hurt?
No. It doesn't hurt at all. But you will have to keep your mouth open while the sealants are being put on.
How does it work?
First, your dentist or hygienist will clean the teeth that are going to be sealed, then dry the teeth very well. The teeth need to be very dry so the sealants will stay on. The dentist or hygienist might put cotton rolls next to your teeth to keep them really dry.
Your dentist or hygienist will use a small brush to paint on a liquid or gel that makes your teeth a little rough. That helps the sealants stick to the teeth.
Then your dentist or hygienist will paint the sealants on your teeth. He or she will shine a bright blue light on your teeth. This makes the sealants hard. You will need to wear special sunglasses to keep the light from shining in your eyes. Some types of sealants harden by themselves in a few minutes and don't need the light.
Will I feel funny after?
No. You will feel fine. You can go ride a bike, play soccer or whatever you want to do as soon as you leave the dentist's office. And you can eat and drink right away.
Will my teeth feel funny?
Yes. You may feel like you are biting on something for a few hours. But that feeling will go away and you won't even know the sealants are there.
Will sealants last the rest of my life?
They will last a long time, maybe as long as 10 years, but not for the rest of your life. They can wear away or chip. When you go for a check-up, your dentist will check your sealants and repair them if necessary
Do I still need to brush?
Yes. Sealants protect the tops of your teeth where a lot of food gets stuck. But you can still get cavities in other places. When you brush, make sure to brush the smooth surfaces and your front teeth that are not protected by sealants. Your parents can help you floss to get in between the teeth.
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