Having your child brush and floss their teeth every day is the most effective way to prevent cavities and develop oral hygiene habits that they will follow into adulthood. Dentists, however, use another tool to prevent tooth decay: dental sealants. They protect teeth against the effects of dental plaque, including tooth decay. Moreover, sealants are suitable for children between 6 and 16. It should be noted, however, that not all children can have them placed on their teeth. Some children may not require them.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Take a moment to touch your molars at the back of your mouth with the tip of your tongue. Are you able to observe the crevices and pits along their length? These are called grooves, and they are highly susceptible to the growth of bacteria and germs when they are filled with food particles, particularly sugar. Brushing regularly is essential, but even the most dedicated brushers may not be able to clean those grooves properly.

Children’s molars are protected against decay by dental sealants, which are thin coatings placed over their biting surfaces. Using a small brush, a dental sealant is applied to the surface of a child’s molars. By using a blue LED light, the liquid sealant bonds to the tooth and dries, leaving a thick, protective layer. It is estimated that 80% of your child’s cavities are prevented by that protective layer. Due to its non-invasive nature and lack of pain, it requires no numbing agents or anesthesia. Additionally, there is no drilling involved, which is also a huge benefit.

As a parent, you are primarily concerned with protecting your child. So, it is likely that you have questions about the safety of dental sealants.

Who Should Get Sealants?

It is around the age of six that children begin to develop permanent teeth. During their late teens, molars and premolars continue to erupt. The risk of decay increases if your child does not maintain proper oral hygiene. As your child grows, sealants protect his or her teeth from decay.

Therefore, infections and oral health problems are prevented from affecting children. Additionally, with proper care and maintenance, the materials are expected to last for up to ten years. So, until your child can practice good dental hygiene, their teeth remain protected.

For extra protection, sealants can also be applied to adults’ teeth. However, even when they maintain proper oral hygiene, cavities can still occur. Furthermore, aging leads to changes in salivary biochemistry, which increases the risk of tooth decay.

It is possible to apply sealants to babies’ teeth. Moreover, a child’s dentist may recommend sealants if the child’s teeth have deep grooves, pits, and fissures. Further, sealants can prevent early tooth loss in some babies with a high risk of tooth decay.

Why Does Your Child Need Dental Sealants?

When you eat or drink, little starch and sugar particles remain in your mouth. As a result, they combine with oral bacteria and acids to produce plaque. Cavities are caused by acid in plaque that erodes the enamel of the teeth.

There are grooves on the molars and premolars that help chew food. Despite brushing these areas, bacteria and food particles may not be removed entirely. To prevent plaque buildup, sealants are applied to teeth. The enamel is covered with them, which flow into the deep grooves and tiny spaces between the teeth. There is a thin protective coating that seals out bacteria and plaque.

If you are concerned about your child’s dental health, consult a pediatric dentist. Sealants are recommended by the dentist based on the need and suitability of the patient. Hence, any issues that prevent your child from receiving sealants will be addressed by the dentist.