As parents, ensuring your child’s health and well-being is always a top priority—and dental health is no exception. While regular brushing and flossing are essential, some areas of the teeth, particularly the grooves and pits of molars, can be difficult for children to clean thoroughly.
This is where dental sealants come in. Dental sealants are a simple, effective, and non-invasive solution to protect your child’s teeth from cavities. In this post, Slater Family Dental, explore what dental sealants are, how they are applied, and why they’re a good preventive measure for your child.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth have deep grooves that can trap food particles and plaque, making them more susceptible to decay. The sealant acts as a protective barrier, sealing out food and bacteria to prevent cavities from forming.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dental sealants can reduce the risk of cavities in molars by up to 80%. They are most commonly recommended for children and teenagers during their cavity-prone years (ages 6-14), but adults with deep grooves in their molars can also benefit.
How Are Dental Sealants Applied?
The application of dental sealants is a quick and painless process that typically takes less than 30 minutes. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what you can expect during your child’s appointment:
- Cleaning and Preparation: The dentist begins by thoroughly cleaning the tooth to remove any food particles or plaque. This ensures that no debris gets trapped under the sealant.
- Isolation: The tooth is then dried and isolated using cotton rolls or a rubber dam to keep it free from saliva during the procedure.
- Etching: A mild acidic gel is applied to the tooth’s surface. This roughens the enamel slightly, creating a better bonding surface for the sealant.
- Rinsing and Drying: After a few seconds, the etching gel is rinsed off, and the tooth is dried again to prepare it for the next step.
- Sealant Application: The liquid sealant is carefully painted onto the grooves and pits of the tooth using a small brush. It flows into all the hard-to-reach areas.
- Curing: A special curing light is used to harden the sealant quickly, forming a durable protective layer over the tooth.
- Final Check: The dentist will examine the sealed tooth to ensure proper coverage and make any necessary adjustments.
The entire process is non-invasive, requires no drilling or numbing agents, and is completely pain-free for your child.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants offer many advantages that make them a preventive tool for protecting teeth:
1. Cavity Prevention
The primary benefit of dental sealants is their ability to prevent cavities. By sealing off grooves where food particles and bacteria tend to accumulate, they significantly reduce the risk of decay. This is particularly important for molars, which are more challenging for children to clean effectively with brushing alone.
2. Non-Invasive Procedure
Unlike fillings or other restorative treatments for cavities, applying dental sealants does not involve drilling or altering the natural structure of your child’s teeth. It’s a simple and painless process that can be completed in one visit.
3. Cost-Effective
Preventing cavities with dental sealants can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for more extensive dental treatments like fillings or crowns. Many insurance plans cover dental sealants as part of preventive care for children—check with your provider for details.
4. Long-Lasting Protection
Dental sealants can last several years with proper care. While they may wear down over time due to chewing forces, they can easily be reapplied if necessary during routine dental checkups.
5. Safe and Effective
Dental sealants are made from biocompatible materials that are safe for children. They do not interfere with daily oral hygiene practices like brushing or flossing but instead provide an added layer of protection against decay.
Are Dental Sealants Right for Your Child?
Dental sealants are most effective when applied as soon as your child’s permanent molars come in—typically around ages 6-12. However, even if your child has already developed some cavities or has older molars without sealants, it’s never too late to consider this preventive treatment. In some cases, dentists can even apply sealants over early-stage cavities to help slow their progression.
It’s important to note that while dental sealants are highly effective at preventing cavities, they are not a substitute for good oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits4. Encourage your child to maintain these habits alongside any preventive treatments recommended by their dentist.
Schedule Your Child’s Appointment Today!
At Slater Family Dental, we understand how important it is to protect your child’s smile from an early age. Our team specializes in preventive care tailored to meet the unique needs of young patients.
If you’re interested in learning more about dental sealants or scheduling an appointment for your child, contact us today! Together, we can help ensure your child enjoys a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Call us at Phone: (503) 649 – 5900 or visit our website at https://slaterfamilydental.com/ to book an appointment now!
