Dental Sealants for Children
Dental sealants are an effective, preventative tool used in millions of people every year. Dental sealants have been used by dentists for over 40 years. They are thin, plastic coatings applied to the back teeth, which are more susceptible to decay over time. The back teeth naturally have grooves and fissures which help with chewing. These grooves and fissures can be hard to clean and allow for plaque to build in them, eventually causing decay and damage. Dental sealants work to keep this buildup from happening and preserving the lifespan of the tooth. This makes children perfect candidates for dental sealants. Read on to learn more about dental sealants for children.
The Benefits of Dental Sealants and Children
There are numerous benefits to dental sealants being used with children.
They Are Preventative with Long-Term Care in Mind
Dental sealants are preventative in nature. They work to seal the grooves and fissures of the back teeth to prevent the buildup of plaque, tartar, and bacteria in the teeth. Over time, this buildup can lead to more damaging effects, so prevention of the buildup is a good first step to avoiding things like cavities. This means that the earlier dental sealants can be used the better.
They Can Be Applied at a Young Age
Dental sealants can be applied to young children’s teeth. All that is needed is the permanent molars to erupt which usually occurs between 5 and 7 years old and then the second permanent molars to erupt at around age 11 and 14. Once these molars come in, the child can get dental sealants. The procedure is painless and quick, making it ideal for children.
They Help to Prevent Oral Health Issues
Oral health issues, like gum disease, happen because of plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup. When a person’s tooth is sealed using a dental sealant, they have less of a risk of this buildup and therefore less of a risk of developing gum disease over time.
They Help Ensure Better Overall Dental Health at a Young Age
By investing in your child’s oral health early on, you are giving them the best chance of having a healthy mouth from a young age. Many dental issues can be reversed or fixed, but all dental issues can be prevented. Dental sealants are an effective act of prevention.
What Does This Mean for Me and My Child?
Speak with your dentist today to learn more about dental sealants and your child. Your dentist will be able to assess your child’s mouth and determine if dental sealants might be a good option for them. They will also be able to answer any questions that you have about the dental sealants and the procedure to install them.
The bottom line is that dental sealants are an effective way to prevent future tooth decay and oral health issues. Children are perfect candidates for dental sealants because they can protect their teeth from a young age and prevent much of the wear and decay that happens to teeth over time. Speak with your dentist today.
