The best way to avoid cavities and instill good oral hygiene habits is to teach your child to brush and floss their teeth daily. These habits will carry into adulthood. However, dental sealants are also a preventive measure against tooth decay. dental sealants are a safe and efficient way to protect your child’s teeth from cavities.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They protect teeth from decay and other damage caused by dental plaque. Children between the ages of 6 and 16 can receive sealants, but not every child is a candidate for them.
Are Dental Sealants Safe?
Dental sealants are considered safe for children. Unlike fillings, sealants don’t require drilling or removal of tooth structure, making the application process quick, painless, and often anesthesia-free. Dental sealants have been proven in multiple studies to be highly effective in preventing cavities, particularly in children and adolescents.
What Makes Dental Sealants Necessary for Your Child?
Sugar and starch particles remain in the mouth after eating or drinking, where they combine with acids and bacteria to form plaque.
Cavities develop when the tooth enamel is eroded by the acids in the plaque. The grooves in the molars and premolars assist with chewing food. Some germs and food particles may remain in these areas after brushing. Sealants are placed to stop plaque from accumulating on teeth.
They pour into the tiny gaps and deep valleys between teeth and coat the tooth enamel. Plaque and germs are kept out by the thin protective layer.
Who Needs Dental Sealants?
At about age six, children begin to get their permanent teeth. The premolars and molars keep coming in until they are in their late teens. Your youngster may not practice good oral hygiene, which raises the possibility of dental decay. As your child’s teeth grow over time, the sealants will protect them.
They thereby protect children from infections and dental health issues. In addition, the materials have a ten-year lifespan if properly maintained. The teeth of your child are so safeguarded until they are able to maintain proper dental care.
Sealants can be put on adults’ teeth as well for further protection. Sadly, cavities can still occur even if people practice good dental care. Additionally, as people age, their salivary biochemistry changes, making them more vulnerable to tooth decay.
Summing Up!
Dental sealants are a great way to protect your child’s dental health. However, it is possible that not every child can get a dental sealant, which is why you should consult a pediatric dentist. Consult our expert pediatric dentist, Dr. Dean, at KC Kids Dental for your child’s dental issues. Call (816) 670-3450 to book your appointment.
