Blog

Dental sealants are a highly effective preventative dental care treatment used to protect teeth from tooth decay. Dental sealants are placed on the teeth to provide protection from the foods and drinks that patients consume on a daily basis. Our Pediatric Dentist in Palo Alto tends to apply it to the back teeth, as they are the most prone to cavities.

Dental sealants are tooth-colored, plastic coatings that flow in and over the teeth. They are often applied to the molars, as they are the most prone to buildup. They flow in and over the teeth, creating a barrier. This barrier prevents bacteria and food particles from settling and gathering in the grooves and pits of the teeth. It also prevents acids from reaching the teeth. This prevention allows for better oral health.

The best ways to protect your child's sealants are to refrain from certain foods. Our Pediatric Dentist in Palo Alto has prepared a list that includes:

Acidic Foods

Unfortunately, foods that contain acid, such as lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits, pineapples, cranberries, tomatoes, pickles, and soda, should be avoided.

Acidic foods can cause the resin material to bleed and can also soften or weaken the sealant.

Sugary Foods

Although they do not pose a direct threat to your dental sealants, sugary foods and drinks can lead to tooth decay.

Plaque, a bacterial film, doesn't just form on your teeth. It can also form on your tongue. Without regular brushing, plaque can get on dental sealants. This plaque can lead to tooth decay.

Sugary foods and drinks can also lead to cavities and tooth decay. Bacteria that thrive off of the sugar your child eats will feed off of the sugar on your teeth, too.

Sticky Foods

Sticky foods can stick to your teeth and compromise the protective barrier of the dental sealant. Avoid eating foods such as caramel, gum, and gummy candy. 

Hard Foods

Hard foods can crack or chip your child's dental sealants. They can also cause your dental bonding to come off. While these foods have always been considered hard, they don't seem to exist anymore. Now you have extremely hard foods that can damage your dental work. Examples of these hard foods include ice, nuts, hard candies, and raw vegetables.

Chewy Foods

Avoid chewy candies, caramels, and dried fruits after dental sealants. These types of foods can dislodge sealants, which will require replacement.

Crunchy Foods

Crunchy foods can be very damaging to dental sealants because they can easily crack the sealant. The sealant doesn't provide strong protection against pits and grooves on your teeth, so biting down on hard foods could cause damage.

Teeth-Shaping Foods

To avoid ruining the fit of your dental sealants, refrain from eating very hard or sticky foods. Chewy candy, pretzels, and caramels can easily pull your child's dental sealants out of position.

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can irritate the sensitive soft tissue inside your mouth. Avoid eating spicy foods until the numbness wears off. While brushing and flossing may not hurt, it is still a good idea to take special care of your child's teeth after the sealants.

To learn more about Little Bytes Pediatric Dentistry, call us at (650) 322-9837 to schedule an appointment with our Pediatric Dentist in Palo Alto.