Watching your child suffer from a tooth can cause a mother bear response, feeling the sharp pangs coming from your child’s mouth, as well as the fear that comes with the ever-rising costs of modern dentistry. Then there are the borderline dystopian nightmares that are dental extraction. It can give any person a sleepless night. Softly now, all of this anxiety can be avoided by the use of dental sealants. No pain, all gain…

Dental sealants are a coating that can be applied to teeth, particularly the molars, that can greatly reduce the chances of tooth decay, acting as a sort of micro defense system, or a dental umbrella. The chewing surface of the teeth has microscopic grooves such as pits and fissures, bogs, sloughs, or swamps, that are often hard to reach and are a hotspot for unwanted bacteria. Think of a funnel: the mouth can be a funnel, but this particular micro funnel can capture bacteria and decay, perhaps even a pitched battle around dentin. A dental sealant can therefore reduce the risk of cavities by over 80%, particularly in the molars. It is incredibly easy for a child to become infected with these tooth-thirsty germs.

Why Children’s Teeth Need Extra Protection

In children, teeth are still under development, so they must be taken care of thoroughly. Brushing a child’s teeth is complicated, as it may only reach soft areas, as permanent molars have deep grooves that are smaller than a bristle; therefore, left uncleaned. Moreover, children may not have mastered appropriate oral hygiene or the skills needed to adequately clean the surfaces of their teeth.

In children, cavities can lead to severe tooth decay, which also results in a lot of pain. The pain makes it extremely difficult to eat or even speak. In more extreme cases, children’s teeth might even need to be taken out. Moreover, if a child’s permanent teeth are lost due to such issues, it becomes much easier for surrounding teeth to be misaligned. During that time, the child will need braces, which is not pleasant.

All of these problems need to be controlled before they even happen. The use of a tooth sealant is a great way of harmlessly protecting teeth from cavities.

The Science Behind Dental Sealants

Dental sealants serve to defend the enamel of a tooth from the acidic bacterial plaque and the cavities that may develop as a result. The liquid sealant flows into the grooves of the tooth enamel and sets into a smooth protective layer, usually formed of resin and glass ionomer. This resin fills the protective grooves of the tooth and prevents the growth of bacterial plaque.

Dentists know that proof of the efficacy of sealants in the hands of children and adults is beyond question. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that a sealant stops the progression of decay to 80% of cavities for the first 2 years after it is placed, and after that, it can still guard 50% of the cavities for another 2 years for a total of 4 years. If they are taken care of and monitored regularly, sealants can last up to 10 years.

The procedure is entirely pain-free and non-invasive, involving no tooth structure to be drilled or removed. This makes it a suitable primary treatment for patients like children, who tend to be more scared of visiting a dentist.

When Should Children Get Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are best placed shortly after the permanent molars have erupted. First permanent molars are usually in at the age of six years, while the second permanent molars are in at the age of twelve. Dental sealants are intended to be placed as soon as the molars erupt to provide optimal protection during the years of high risk for cavities.

Nevertheless, age is not the sole factor. During a child’s routine teeth cleaning service, the dentist will evaluate some cavities and the associated risk factors, such as:

• Dental crevice size and configuration
• Previous cavities
• Habits regarding hygiene
• Certain foods
• Access to systemic and topical fluorides

Some children who have a history of cavities may require sealants on the premolars (bicuspids).

The Sealant Application Process: What to Expect

It usually takes just a few minutes for each molar, and the whole session can be scheduled for teeth cleaning and polishing appointments, so some of the anxiety can be alleviated.

Step 1: Preparation
The teeth are flossed and dried. The dentist will ensure that the sealant adheres to each tooth.

Step 2: Conditioning teeth
In order to create a proper bond, a light acidic solution is utilized, which roughens the surface of the tooth a bit.

Step 3: Application of the sealant
The liquid sealant is applied to the tooth by painting the target area, in this case, the surface of the molar, and allowing it to fill the grooves and any spaces.

Step 4: Curing
The sealant is cured by a special light,,t which helps in forming a protective layer for the tooth.

Step 5: Final verification
The dentist verifies and repositions the sealant to ensure it is properly positioned on the tooth and that the bite meets properly.

Each step of the process is seamless, and there is no need for any anesthesia. In most cases, children handle the process quite well and tend to say it feels like their teeth are getting painted on.

Sealed Teeth Maintenance

Dental sealants are proven to be especially effective when used in conjunction with an all-encompassing approach to oral health. Teeth cleaning appointments are still necessary to track sealants and other oral health issues. Dentists can:

• Look at the sealants to see if any wear or damage occurred

• Apply sealants to the teeth if necessary.

• Carry out advanced teeth cleaning.

• Provide the patient with fluoride treatment.t

• Keep track of the oral health condition.on

Proper oral hygiene reinforces the seal’s effectiveness. Brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, daily flossing, and the avoidance of sugary snacks and beverages lead to good oral health.

Common Concerns

Dental sealants have been used in dentistry for more than 50 years for the apparent reasons of safety and effectiveness. Sealants made of dental resin contain a negligible amount of BPA. So little, in fact, that it is considerably less than the amount of BPA children encounter in more common things such as food packages.

A few parents might contest the validity of sealants, claiming that they could trap bacteria and decay underneath the tooth without proper examination. Dental sealants can only be applied after a professional dental cleaning. In cases of suspected and later confirmed decay of a tooth structure, the tooth(s) would have to be treated first before sealants can be applied.

Concern over finances is understandable, but sealants are far cheaper than having to deal with a cavity. A lot of dental insurance policies, as part of preventive dental care, cover dental sealants for children.

The Associated Pediatric Dentistry Advantage

At Associated Pediatric Dentistry, we recognize that each child’s dental needs are different. Our pediatric specialists take a multifactorial approach to cavity prevention. In addition to advanced sealants, we provide warm and nurturing care to ensure children view the visit to the dentist positively.

Preventive care measures have sealants as a standard component. Working with families, we customize prevention schedules to include sealants, fluoride, and engaging children to practice good oral hygiene.

What distinguishes us from other practices is our focus on preventive care and the ease with which we provide it to kids. We walk through procedures in age-appropriate language, deploy advanced comfort techniques, and foster a friendly office atmosphere to help kids form good, lasting attitudes toward dental care.

Actions on the Dental Health of Your Child

It’s better to avert a dental problem than to treat it. Every parent, for instance, is not likely to wish for their child to go through painful and elaborate dental procedures, or suffer from tooth decay, but with a lack of preventive care, the chances of these situations occurring are all the more plausible.

Out of all modern preventive dental care, dental sealants are among the most effective. They provide an easy and inexpensive means to markedly decrease the chances of your child developing cavities on the most sealable teeth. When coupled with routine teeth polishing, proper oral hygiene practices, and consistent dental follow-ups, sealants will help your child maintain a healthy smile throughout their adult years.

There will be a lot less tension, suffering, and cost required on your family due to the preventive care that is available now. Also, it will provide your child with guaranteed oral health that enhances their mental and emotional well-being, supporting their overall health and quality of life.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Why let problems brew? Associating their smiles with anxiety over dental visits is no dentist’s delight. If you think your child is suffering from dental sealable problems, without further ado, reach out to Associated Pediatric Dentistry to schedule an extensive consultation with us so we can place sealants based on the individual profile.

We can provide answers to all your inquiries, doubts and offer the best amenities available. In collaboration, we’ll fund the elements of dental care to our best so the child smiles without hesitation years down the line.

Investing should not be an intimidating term, rather the process of growing and hence, smartly in your kids and their smiles, so as to not let hesitance and pediatricians paint your kids’ smiles all in grays.

FAQs 

Q1. Are dental sealants safe for children?
Yes. Dental sealants are completely safe and have been used for over 50 years. The amount of BPA present is negligible and much lower than what children are exposed to through everyday food packaging.

Q2. How long do dental sealants last?
Sealants can last up to 10 years if properly cared for, though they should be checked regularly during dental visits.

Q3. Does applying dental sealants hurt?
No. The process is quick, painless, and non-invasive. Children often describe it as having their teeth “painted.”

Q4. When is the best time to get dental sealants?
Sealants should be applied as soon as a child’s permanent molars erupt, typically around age 6 for the first set and age 12 for the second set.

Q5. Will dental insurance cover sealants?
Yes, many dental insurance plans cover sealants as part of preventive dental care for children.