Even with your best attempts to keep your teeth healthy, tooth decay can still develop, especially in children. Their growing mouths and developing motor skills often make it harder for them to clean their teeth effectively. When you are in this situation, your dentist may suggest dental sealants to prevent it. These sealants can help protect your child’s teeth from cavities, providing an extra barrier against decay.
Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the molars’ and premolars’ chewing surfaces, where decay is most common. Deep grooves and pits in these back teeth are often too deep for even diligent brushing to clean. They are particularly prone to cavities because these areas accumulate plaque, food particles, and bacteria. The sealant acts as a barrier, preventing bacteria and food from settling into these grooves and thus reducing the chance of tooth decay.
Sealants normally consist of a durable, clear, or white plastic resin. It directly bonds to the tooth’s surface, filling in the grooves and fissures and creating a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. Sealants are applied once and are virtually invisible, making them ideal for children who may feel self-conscious about having visible dental work. Sealants are both quick and painless to apply, generally needing just one visit to your dentist. During the procedure, the teeth are cleaned thoroughly, an acid gel is applied to help the sealant bond, and the resin is then cured to harden it.
Dental sealants are often recommended for children around the time their permanent molars come in, usually around the age of 6 or 7. These molars are the most vulnerable to cavities, as they are positioned in the back of the mouth and used for chewing, making them perfect places for food particles to become stuck. However, your dentist may recommend sealants for any teeth susceptible to decay, even adult teeth.
One of the most significant advantages of dental sealants is their effectiveness in preventing cavities. Studies prove that children with sealants on their molars have an 80% lower chance of developing cavities in those areas than children without sealants. Sealants are an important tool in your child’s oral care arsenal because they add a layer of protection to help keep their teeth healthier for longer.
Sealants are very durable and can last for years, but it is still important to get regular checkups with your dentist so your dentist can check to make sure the sealants are still intact and working. Sometimes, the seals may wear down over time or develop small cracks, which can be easily repaired or re-applied. The process is noninvasive, and no drilling or needles are involved, so it is a child-friendly treatment option.
