How sealants protect and save decay-prone back teeth

At Mona Dental for Kids, pediatric care is not just an “add-on” service. Led by Dr. Mona Houshiar, our team in Spring, Texas, treats children – and children only. And, while sealants are also appropriate for some “grown-ups,” they are a particularly powerful preventative measure for our patients! 

Basics about dental sealants 

Dental sealants are a resin material prepared and placed by dentists on decay-prone back teeth. These back teeth, premolars, and molars have the highest risk of developing cavities and tooth decay. There are many challenges to consistently and appropriately cleaning these teeth, especially for children with developing motor skills.

• For starters, they can be hard to reach. In little mouths, it may be challenging to navigate the toothbrush and floss properly
• Plus, the surfaces of these teeth are not smooth. Food tends to get stuck in their pits and fissures. Lingering food particles and harmful oral bacteria are a bad mix. They promote the development of acidic bacterial plaque. This sticky, destructive process erodes the teeth. Without treatment, toxins in the plaque may be released and further, break down the supportive gums and hard tissue in the jaw
• Lastly, it is a human tendency to spend more time cleaning the visible front teeth in the mouth. The back teeth that often need even more attention get neglected

Sealants help to overcome these and other challenges to the health of the back teeth. They may be called “raincoats for the teeth” because sealants literally “seal out” the bad stuff – the food particles, bacteria, acids, and plaque. Just as moisture glides off a raincoat, sealants protect and prevent these harmful substances from seeping into and penetrating the teeth. 

How it’s done 

Dr. Houshiar applies the resin material on the teeth as a liquid. She uses a small brush to precisely paint the sealant material to clean and dry teeth. Once this step is completed, she ensures the strongest bond between the tooth and sealant. She uses a specialized curing light to harden the liquid and bond or secure the sealant to the tooth. Dr. Houshiar can also make any adjustments as needed. So, the sealant material is not vulnerable to early wear, nor does it adversely affect the “bite.” 

Of course, sealants and other professional preventative services available at Mona Dental for Kids are not a substitute for healthy habits and behaviors. During regular check-ups, Dr. Houshiar can assess the condition of the sealant to ensure it remains in top shape and continues to protect the teeth effectively. As needed, she can advise on good habits, cleaning techniques, and nutrition to extend the life of all teeth and the gums surrounding and supporting them. 

Call (832) 662-3008 to schedule your child’s visit to our office in Spring, TX.

Mona Houshiar, DDS

Dr. Mona Houshiar is a highly skilled pediatric dentist with over 15 years of experience dedicated to preventing dental issues and promoting lifelong oral health. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from UCLA and completed residencies at the VA West Los Angeles Healthcare Center and the University of Connecticut. As a trusted member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association, Dr. Houshiar stays current on the latest advancements in pediatric dentistry. Her compassionate, evidence-based approach fosters trust and comfort, both in her practice and through her community service for underserved children.

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