OK, OK… THE TOPIC OF “DENTAL SEALANTS” DOESN’T EXACTLY SOUND EXCITING—but don’t let the boring name fool you! In some cases, this simple and quick procedure is one of the easiest things we can do for you to help prevent cavities and tooth decay. Dr. Hines and Dr. Anderson recommend using sealants as preventive dental care for most children. You see, children’s teeth have small depressions and grooves, making it harder to properly clean them using brushing alone. Sealants can create protection in these small depressions and grooves, which helps keep plaque from forming in the small crevices. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP9NoU1NHE0&fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0] Sealants are applied during a very short visit here at our office. After your teeth are cleaned and prepped, the sealing solution is painted directly on tooth surfaces. Then, a curing light hardens the sealant. After the sealant is hardened you’re on your way—no need to wait to eat or drink. Routine dental checkups will allow Dr. Hines and Dr. Anderson to keep tabs on your sealants, making sure they’re in good condition. Some insurance companies cover sealants, and the procedure can last about 10 years—making one application last from childhood, well into adulthood. To see if it’s the right time to get sealants for your children, just ask us using our contact form. Or, you can always send us a message on Twitter or on our Facebook Page by clicking on the logo below. We look forward to hearing from you!