The most likely place for a developing cavity is your child’s back teeth. Specifically, the chewing surfaces of the rear molars. By running your tongue over this same location within your own mouth, you can see why: While the vertical surfaces of teeth are quite smooth, the chewing surfaces of the back molars have many small grooves that can give oral bacteria a place to hide and cause tooth decay.
Even though your child may be brushing and flossing properly, there are still some places that are more difficult to clean, opening the door for the development of tooth decay.
Why Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a protective treatment that your dentist can provide to protect your children’s teeth from tooth decay. The sealants themselves consist of a thin liquid that is “painted” onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Once applied, the liquid hardens and provides a protective seal to help lock out damaging oral bacteria.
Surprisingly, in spite of the proven protection that the treatment offers, less than 50% of children have been treated with dental sealants.
Dental Sealants Benefits
- Fast and painless
- No drilling or anesthesia required
- Inexpensive treatment more than pays for itself by preventing costly dental work
Pediatric Dental Sealants FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about pediatric dental sealants:
At what age do dental sealants work best?
Dental sealants are most effective when they are placed soon after the development of the molars, which normally occurs at the ages of six, 12, and 18.
How effective are dental sealants?
Research conducted by the CDC found that dental sealants can prevent up to 80% of cavities in the first two years after application. Sealants can continue providing protection against 50% of cavities for as long as four years after application.
At some point, the sealants can be expected to become worn. They can be reapplied just as easily as with your child’s first appointment.
How are dental sealants applied?
Your child’s dentist will begin by thoroughly cleaning the treated teeth and drying them. They will then apply a special solution that will “etch” the teeth to provide better attachment of the sealant. They will then clean and dry the teeth again. Next, the dentist will paint the targeted teeth with the dental sealant.
How should my child’s teeth be cared for after the application of the dental sealant?
Although dental sealants provide strong protection against tooth decay, they are not infallible, and untreated teeth remain vulnerable to tooth decay. So make sure that your child keeps up with their regular oral care routine by brushing their teeth at least twice daily and flossing once a day.
It is also extremely important that your child keep up with their routine dental exam and cleaning appointments. This will ensure that any trouble spots are detected early for early intervention,
Schedule Your Child’s Appointment
Are you ready to prevent unnecessary dental work by having your child’s teeth treated with dental sealants? If so, please contact the dental office today to schedule their dental sealants appointment.
