A Parent’s Guide to Dental Sealants & Starting the School Year with a Strong, Healthy Smile
As kids head back to school, parents are busy checking off supply lists, packing lunches, and establishing new routines. But here’s one thing that deserves a spot on your back-to-school checklist: your child’s dental health.
At Neighborhood Dental in Brandon, Dr. Heesch and Dr. Woods want to help your child start the school year with a strong smile. One simple and effective way to do that? Dental sealants.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth—where food and bacteria love to hide. These invisible shields help block out plaque and food particles that could otherwise lead to cavities.
They’re especially helpful for school-aged children whose molars are still developing and are more susceptible to decay.
DID YOU KNOW?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), Sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars.
How Do You Take Care of Dental Sealants?
Taking care of dental sealants is easy—and the good news is, they don’t require any special tools or routines!
Here’s how to keep them working their best:
- Stick to Good Brushing & Flossing Habits: Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Sealants protect the chewing surface of the teeth, but brushing still keeps the rest of the tooth clean and healthy.
- Avoid Hard, Sticky Foods: While sealants are strong, chewing on ice, hard candy, or sticky snacks (like taffy or caramels) can cause them to wear down or pop off.
- Keep Up with Dental Checkups: During your regular appointments, your dentist will check to make sure sealants are intact and still protecting your teeth. If needed, they can be reapplied quickly and easily.
- Drink Water Often: Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria that could lead to decay—even with sealants in place.
With proper care and regular checkups, dental sealants can last for years and help your child stay cavity-free!
How Do Cavities Form So Quickly?
It doesn’t take long for plaque to build up—especially with busy schedules and on-the-go snacks. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that feeds on sugars from foods like crackers, granola bars, and fruit snacks. When not removed, it produces acids that can wear down enamel and cause cavities—often right in the grooves of those back molars.
Sealants act as a barrier, preventing those acids from doing damage.
The Process Is Quick and Painless
Applying dental sealants is a simple and comfortable process. There’s no drilling, no numbing, and it takes just a few minutes per tooth. Once applied, sealants can last for several years, giving your child extra protection as they grow and develop healthy habits.
Encouraging Healthy Habits with the No Cavity Club
At Neighborhood Dental, we know healthy habits start young. That’s why we celebrate cavity-free visits with our No Cavity Club! 🎉
Here’s how it works:
- Children under 16 are eligible.
- If your child has no cavities at two consecutive appointments within 14 months, they’ll officially join the club.
- Each No Cavity Club member receives a T-shirt and a certificate—plus bragging rights, of course!
The No Cavity Club helps make dental visits a fun, positive experience and encourages kids to take pride in their oral health.
Ready to Seal the Deal?
Book your child’s back-to-school dental appointment at your family dental office in Brandon! Our team of professionals will keep you informed and educated every step of the way, and you’ll have the ability to ask as many questions to get the answers you need to feel comfortable and confident. ur office is conveniently located at 117 East Holly Boulevard in Brandon, a short drive from Sioux Falls, whether you take Interstate 90 or East Rice Street. Let’s protect those growing smiles and kick off the school year cavity-free!
