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Dental Sealants in the primary prevention of tooth decay How are dental sealants placed on the teeth?Sealant
Program Grant
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What are dental sealants? Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are put onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) for the prevention of tooth decay. Sealants are painted on the tops of the back teeth and harden to form a protective shield over the tooth. Why are sealants a good idea? As the back teeth grow, mountains and valleys form on the tops of the teeth. Food and germs get caught in the valleys and cause the teeth to get cavities. Using a toothbrush doesn’t remove all the cavity causing germs from the pits and grooves because the toothbrush bristles are too big. Sealants fill the grooves and help the teeth stay clean. The thin plastic glues to the tooth enamel, acting as a barrier protecting the chewing surface from germs and acids, which can cause tooth decay. As long as the sealants remain on the tooth, it will be protected from getting cavities. Sealants normally last several years. When should sealants be placed? When the first molars start coming in at about the age of 6-7 and again when the second molars come in around the age of 11. Be Smart & Seal Them! School-based sealant project The Oral Health Unit supports the school-based sealant project, which is designed to identify second grade children who will benefit from the placement of pit and fissure sealants on permanent molar teeth, with parental consent. The project also includes:
These services are provided on-site at elementary schools in the Denver metro area, as well as other schools throughout the front range. The Be Smart & Seal Them! Project is working on expanding the sealant program to include more schools and school districts throughout the state. Volunteer dentists, hygienists, and student dentists and student hygienists help provide the services. School nurses are asked to help administer their school specific program. This includes:
Who is providing the sealants?
Alyssa Milam, RDH BSDH E-mail: alyssa.milam@state.co.us
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