Archive for June 2025

Good oral hygiene practices, including daily brushing and flossing, as well as twice-yearly dental visits for exams and cleanings, are the best ways to help your child maintain a cavity-free smile. However, it’s not always easy to clean every pit and crevice, especially on the chewing surfaces of the hard-to-reach premolars and molars at the back of the mouth. Dental sealants, proudly offered by Hebron Family Dentistry, are a game-changer for children, significantly lowering the risk of tooth decay and cavities.

What Are Dental Sealants?

The permanent teeth at the back of the mouth, known as the molars and premolars, have deep pits and crevices on their chewing surfaces that trap food particles and bacteria, leaving them prone to decay. Dental sealants are ultra-thin coatings we place on these chewing surfaces to create a protective barrier that has been shown to reduce the risk of cavities. Applying sealants is a quick and painless process that takes a few short minutes to complete with significant benefits for your child’s oral health.

When Are Sealants Ideally Placed?

At Hebron Family Dentistry, we recommend placing dental sealants when the first set of permanent molars erupts around age six and the second set emerges at around age 12. Placing sealants as soon as these teeth come in is one of the best ways to keep them cavity-free right from the start.

If you’ve missed the 6-year or 12-year mark, it’s never too late to protect your child’s smile. Dental sealants can be beneficial as long as the teeth have no cavities. In fact, this preventive measure can significantly reduce the risk of cavities in teens and even adults with deep grooves in their back teeth or those prone to tooth decay.

What Is the Dental Sealant Procedure?

The sealant procedure is quick, painless, and does not require local anesthetics. It begins with cleaning and drying your child’s teeth and then placing an etching gel to help the sealant material bond. Next, we will paint the sealant onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth and use a curing light to harden it. The entire process takes a few minutes to complete, providing these vulnerable teeth with a powerful protective shield.

Caring for Teeth With Dental Sealants

Encourage your child to maintain good at-home oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing. We also recommend steering clear of hard or chewy foods, which can damage the sealant material. Don’t forget to visit Hebron Family Dentistry for regular dental exams and cleanings. Dr. Watson and her team will ensure your child’s sealants remain free from damage. If needed, she may recommend touching up or replacing damaged sealants to continue providing maximum protection for your child’s smile.

Dental Sealants Near Me in Hebron, KY

Contact us at Hebron Family Dentistry to learn more about safeguarding your child’s smile with dental sealants. Dr. Watson and her family-friendly team look forward to helping lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy, cavity-free smiles. We invite you to contact 859-689-2021 to schedule your appointment or request one online today!