Dental sealants are thin liquid coatings applied to the surfaces of premolars and molars. After applying the sealant, the dentist hardens it to help prevent cavities from forming.
Sealants are regarded as quite safe for children and are recommended by most pediatric dentists because they protect teeth from tooth decay and plaque. While sealants are helpful at preventing cavities in youngsters, they are not intended to substitute a good oral care practice.
How Do Dental Sealants Work?
Dental sealants near me serve to seal and protect teeth. While they are not a replacement for daily flossing and brushing, they are intended to help prevent cavities from developing. When applying sealants to a child's teeth, the pediatric dentist applies them over the grooved and pitted portions of the molars and premolars.
Children's teeth have smaller grooves than adults' teeth, making it difficult for them to clean effectively, and plaque can build within those grooves, eventually causing a cavity.
Dental sealants preserve the teeth by producing a smooth surface, which helps to avoid cavities. Sealants can also be used to slow the formation of cavities in their early stages.
What Age Should Children Get Sealants?
Dental sealants for children are placed on their permanent molars as soon as they emerge. This protects children's teeth from deterioration before it might cause a cavity.
Their first permanent molars appear between the ages of 5 and 7, followed by their second permanent molars between the ages of 11 and 14. As a result, youth between the ages of 5 and 14 are ideally suited for sealant application.
Why Children Might Need Dental Sealants
The most essential reason why children and teenagers are the best ages for dental sealants is that they can get them before developing tooth decay. Sealants are most commonly used to prevent cavities from growing within the grooves of teeth, which is why they are effective.
Dentists usually recommend sealants if a child's teeth have deep grooves, cracks, or pits. Sealants may also be recommended by pediatric dentists if babies are at high risk of developing tooth decay.
Side Effects of Tooth Sealants
The only probable negative effect of dental sealants is an allergic reaction, which is rare. Dental sealants are relatively frequent and safe, particularly for children. Before applying sealants, make sure to address any potential adverse effects with your dentist. Nonetheless, sealants are advised for children since they are safe and effective in preventing cavities.
Different Types of Dental Sealants
There are two forms of dental sealants.
Composite Resin
This sort of sealant is extremely common. It is a tooth-hued resin material that can be tinted to match the teeth.
The sole disadvantage of composite resin is that it cannot heal teeth with little cavities; however, it is a fantastic alternative for preventative dental treatment. Composite resin fillings do not release fluoride onto the teeth, yet they endure longer than glass ionomer sealants.
Glass Ionomer
Glass Ionomer is a translucent acrylic substance that is commonly used in pediatric dentistry because it releases small amounts of fluoride minerals onto children's teeth.
This glass ionomer is the best sealant for youngsters since it protects against tooth decay and bacteria while also providing fluoride to help strengthen enamel.
Are Dental Sealants Worth It for Children?
Dental sealants are extremely successful at avoiding cavities in children's teeth. If you're wondering if your child needs dental sealants, they're worth it. Sealants are particularly useful between the ages of 5 and 14. Once applied, sealants protect 80 percent of cavities for up to two years and 50 percent for up to four years.
The bottom line
Dental sealants are a safe and efficient approach to keep bacteria and plaque from accumulating on children's teeth, hence preventing cavities from occurring.
While sealants can help prevent tooth decay, children should practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing between their teeth daily, and visiting a pediatric dentist on a regular basis.