Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City
516-222-5100
Many children across the nation choose sugary juice drink over water and rarely turn down a piece of candy. Dentists who see these children often times suggest giving them dental sealants to keep tooth decay to a minimum. It is an ongoing debate amongst dentists whether enough kids get the liquid plastic coverings that protect their teeth.
According to studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 20% of children at poverty level and only 40% of kids from higher-income homes actually receive recommended sealants. Dental sealants are formed when dentists drip a plastic-like liquid onto the biting surface of the tooth, coating the pits and fissures that typically trap food and foster the growth of bacteria.
Dental sealants are applied to the permanent molars and set with ultraviolet light, usually between the ages of 5 and 7. The cost of this procedure is usually $30 to $40 per tooth and it is typically covered by most dental insurance policies.
