Dental Sealants for Extra Protection

Prevention is the best protection, right? When it comes to oral health, nothing could be truer! That is why here at Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton, PA we offer dental sealants. Sealants are extra protection for molars meant especially for kids in those cavity-prone years!

During the ages of six and fourteen, kids go through what is called the cavity-prone years. Molars have pits and grooves in them which can trap debris and create bacteria. These pits and grooves can be hard to clean out with a toothbrush, which is why cavities can become common in that location.

Dental sealants are plastic coatings that seal out bacteria and debris from the pits in the molars. They are great for children but can also be effective protection for adults who have never had a cavity or filling in their molars. Once applied, a sealant is able to last up to ten years or more!

To apply a sealant, you dentist will first clean the teeth that will be sealed. Then teeth with then be dried and an acid solution is painted onto them to roughen up the surface of the teeth. This creates a strong bond for the sealants. The teeth are rinsed and dried afterwards. The tooth-colored plastic solution is then painted onto the teeth and allowed to dry. The patient can use the teeth normally soon afterward.

If you are looking to take an extra step in protecting your teeth or your children’s teeth, dental sealants are a great choice! To schedule an appointment at Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton, PA, call our office at (610) 252-7414 or visit our website, www.lehighvalleysmiles.net. 

Are You Flossing Properly?

Every time you visit the dentist for a checkup there’s one question you will certainly hear: “Have you been flossing regularly?” It’s safe to say that most of us answer this question with a “no.” What many of us non-flossers don’t realize is that this step plays an important role in dental health. Here at Lehigh Valley Smiles, Dr. Alan Dilsaver not only wants you to floss regularly, but he wants you to know how to floss properly.

Floss is an interdental cleaner, meaning it’s designed specifically to clean the tight spaces between the teeth and the gap between the base of the teeth and the gums. These are places that a toothbrush can’t reach. Next time you floss, utilize these tips:

• Wind 18 inches of floss around middle fingers of each hand. Pinch floss between thumbs and index fingers, leaving a one-to-two-inch length in between. Use thumbs to direct floss between upper teeth.


• Keep a one-to-two-inch length of floss controlled between fingers. Use index fingers to glide floss between contacts of the lower teeth.


• Gently guide floss between the teeth by using a zig-zag motion and be sure to contour floss around the side of the tooth.

If you still have questions about how to properly floss, don’t hesitate to give us a call. To learn more about dental hygiene and services provided here at Lehigh Valley Smiles, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Alan Dilsaver at Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.