Dental sealants continue to be an effective preventive measure for children’s dental health. They serve as a form of barrier against cavity-causing bacteria, providing solid protection for those hard-to-reach spots in your children’s teeth. This comprehensive guide shares everything parents need to know about dental sealants for their kids.
Understanding Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are protective coatings usually applied on the back teeth (molars), known for their role in biting and chewing food. Made from a form of plastic, their primary aim is to protect teeth from decay.
Why Children Need Dental Sealants
The Anatomy of Your Child’s Teeth
Children’s molars have uneven surfaces with pits and grooves. While these structures aid in the grinding of food, they also tend to trap food particles and are notoriously hard to clean effectively. This turns them into perfect breeding grounds for decay-causing bacteria.
Combating Decay with Dental Sealants
Dental sealants combat this problem head-on by sealing off these grooves and pits, creating a smooth surface that’s not only harder for bacteria to infiltrate but also easier to clean.
The Process of Applying Dental Sealants
The application of dental sealants is a painless procedure typically taking just a few minutes for each tooth. The tooth is first cleaned, then conditioned and dried. The sealant material is then painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens.
When Should Children Get Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are usually applied as soon as a child’s permanent molars come in, roughly between the ages of 6 and 12 years. Applying them as soon as the permanent teeth emerge provides the necessary protection against cavities and decay during the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 14.
Durability and Care for Dental Sealants
With proper dental care, sealants can last for several years before needing a re-application. During regular dental check-ups, your dentist will check the condition of the sealants and re-apply them if necessary.
Ensuring Dental Sealant Safety
Dental sealants carry minimal risks. They are safe for use on almost all children. However, some kids could be allergic to the material used. Therefore, it’s crucial to discuss any allergies with your dentist before the application.