04
Jul
Seal the Deal: 5 Benefits of Pediatric Dental Sealants
Comprehensive dental care that includes good oral hygiene and nutrition is essential for preventing tooth decay in children. However, sometimes you must go the extra step to ensure your young one’s smile is in optimal condition. If your child is prone to tooth decay, dental sealants offer an excellent, effective solution. These thin, protective coatings shield the chewing surfaces of your teeth from harmful acids and bacteria to maintain a healthy smile.
Need to learn more about dental sealants? Visit South OC Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, serving Aliso Viejo, California, and the nearby locations. You can also schedule an online appointment at any time.
Benefits of dental sealants
Tooth cavities are one of the most common dental issues in children, often caused by inadequate oral hygiene and a fondness for sugary snacks and drinks. The good news? Tooth decay is highly preventable. Alongside regular brushing and flossing at home, dental sealants provide an added layer of protection to help keep young teeth cavity-free.
Here are six compelling benefits of dental sealants.
- Effective protection against tooth decay: Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings brushed to the chewing surfaces of molars to shield them from food particles and bacteria. These back teeth have natural pits and fissures where harmful bacteria can conveniently hide. Dental sealants smooth these irregularities, making it difficult for harmful bacteria to remain on the surface. According to the CDC, dental sealants prevent cavities by 80% for the first two years, and this protection continues over the years.
- Application is quick, non-invasive, and painless: Getting dental sealants in Aliso Viejo, California, takes only a few minutes and requires no drilling or anesthesia. It’s a simple procedure that delivers long-lasting protection, often with zero discomfort. First, Dr. John De Lorme or Sam Wu will professionally clean the teeth to remove plaque buildup. Then, the dentist applies an etching gel to create a suitable bonding surface. Next, the dentist brushes the sealant material to the decay-prone teeth and uses a special curing light to harden it. And just like that—it’s done! The procedure is completely painless and has no downtime.
- Simplifies oral hygiene: Posterior teeth have small pits and fissures that make it difficult to clean your teeth effectively, no matter how long you brush. Dental sealants create a smooth surface that’s easy to brush and floss.
- Long-lasting protection: Dental sealants can last up to 5–10 years with proper upkeep. We will check their condition during regular exams and reapply them if necessary to ensure continued protection.
- They are cost-effective: Preventing cavities with sealants can help avoid the need for fillings, crowns, or root canals down the road. It’s a small investment now that can lead to significant savings later.
Tooth decay doesn’t discriminate—it can affect children at any age. Dental sealants can be applied to both baby and permanent teeth, starting as early as age two and continuing into adulthood. When paired with regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups, sealants offer a trusted and effective defense against cavities.
Dental sealants near me in Aliso Viejo, California
Ready to experience the benefits of dental sealants? Call (949) 581 5800 and reserve an appointment with South OC Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. We are in Mission Viejo, CA, but serve new and recurring patients from Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, San Juan Capistrano, Ladera Ranch, Lake Forest, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Dana Point, and beyond.
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Dr. John De Lorme
Dr. John De Lorme is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD). He is a healthcare leader in his community, speaking at parent/child classes throughout South Orange County for the last 30 years. He attended Saint Mary’s College, University of the Pacific – Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Boston Children’s Hospital for his residency.
Dr. Samuel Wu
Dr. Samuel Wu, also an ABPD Diplomate, attended the University of California in Berkeley and Los Angeles and spent his residency at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Boston Children’s Hospital. He has a passion for medical missions to other countries.
Both Drs. De Lorme and Wu are affiliated with MobiSurg, an Accredited Surgery Center, and are members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, California Society of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Society, California Dental Association, Orange County Dental Society, and American Academy of Pediatrics.
Dr. Chris Carter
Dr. Chris Carter completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and dental school and residency at Oregon Health and Science University. He practiced general dentistry for five years before specializing in orthodontics. His experience at the University of California – Irvine’s Plastic Surgery Department allows him to craft smiles that perfectly complement each patient’s unique facial features.
Dr. Carter is a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society, Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, American Association of Orthodontists, Orange County Dental Society, California Dental Association, and American Dental Association.