As a parent, you want to give your kids everything they need to stay happy and healthy. You make sure they eat a balanced diet, get plenty of exercise, and stay up to date on their vaccinations. But have you considered the importance of caring for their teeth? Cavities and tooth decay can cause painful infections, difficulty eating, and even speech problems. Fortunately, there’s a simple and effective solution: dental sealants.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what dental sealants are, how they work, and why they’re such an important tool for preventing cavities in children. You’ll learn about when dental sealants should be applied and what to expect during the process. By the end of this blog, you’ll be armed with the knowledge you need to decide to get dental sealants for your children.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Simply put, dental sealants are a protective coating that’s applied to the chewing surface of teeth. The sealant material is a liquid resin painted onto the tooth’s surface and then cured with a special light. This creates a barrier between the tooth and the bacteria that cause cavities.
Dental sealants are typically applied to the molars and premolars, the back teeth most susceptible to cavities. These teeth have deep grooves and pits on their surfaces that can collect food particles and bacteria, making them hard to clean with a standard toothbrush. Sealants fill in these grooves and make the surface of the tooth smoother and easier to clean.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Sealants for Children?
Dental sealants are a powerful tool for preventing cavities in children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children who receive dental sealants experience 80% fewer cavities in the first year after application, and continue to have lower rates of cavities for up to nine years. This can result in significant cost savings for families and avoid the pain and discomfort of cavities.
In addition to preventing cavities, dental sealants can improve overall dental health by reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth loss risk. By protecting the surfaces of the teeth that are most vulnerable to decay, sealants help maintain the tooth’s structural integrity and prevent the need for more extensive dental work in the future.
When Should You Administer Dental Sealants?
The best time to get dental sealants for your children is when their adult teeth are starting to come in, typically between the ages of 6 and 12. However, sealants can be applied at any age as long as the teeth are cavity-free and have no existing fillings or decay. Sealants can also be used on baby teeth in some instances.
The process of getting dental sealants is quick and painless, usually taking only a few minutes per tooth. Your dentist will thoroughly clean the tooth surface and apply the sealant material. After curing the sealant with a special light, the tooth is ready to be used immediately.
Conclusion
Dental sealants are a safe, effective, and minimally invasive way to protect your children’s teeth from cavities and other dental problems. By creating a barrier between the tooth and harmful bacteria, sealants significantly reduce the risk of decay and can help maintain the health and integrity of the tooth. If you’re a mom looking for a simple and cost-effective way to keep your children’s teeth healthy, we highly recommend dental sealants. Talk to your dentist today to learn more about this powerful dental tool.
