What if there was a simple 10-minute procedure that could prevent 80% of your child’s cavities for years?
There is – and it’s called dental sealants. Yet most kids don’t have them, missing out on one of dentistry’s most effective prevention tools.
Sealants are a thin, protective coating placed in molars and premolars, which are most prone to cavities.
They function as a barrier, preventing food particles, plaque, and bacteria from the deep grooves and lines of teeth, which can be difficult to clean with brushing alone.
Sealants are especially beneficial in kids and adults at a high risk of developing caries.
How do dental sealants work?
Sealants are placed inside the deep grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars.
Applying sealants is easy. Teeth are cleaned and dried, followed by applying a liquid adhesive, which is then hardened using a special curing light.
Once it sets, it acts as a barrier against food particles, plaque, and bacteria from getting stuck in teeth’s deep grooves and lines.
Benefits of dental sealants
Sealants decrease the risk of cavities by blocking the areas on teeth that are more prone to decay.
According to CDC, sealants are especially beneficial in children and adults who have poor oral hygiene or who are at a high risk of caries:
- 80% cavity prevention for 2 years
- Children without sealants have 3x more cavities
- Only 42% of children ages 6-11 have sealants
This proactive measure helps to prevent further pain and costs related to fillings, retaining natural teeth, and supporting sustainability in dental care.
Are Dental Sealants Safe?
Many parents are rightfully worried about the safety of dental sealants and some sealants contain trace amounts of BPA (bisphenol A), a known hazardous chemical.
However, according to ADA, “The potential amount of BPA patients could be exposed to when receiving sealants is miniscule, and it’s less than the amount a person receives from breathing air or handling a receipt.”
The importance of Dental Sealants in children
Young teeth are more prone to cavities due to their still-developing enamel and the challenges of maintaining proper oral hygiene.
Dental sealants are a safe and effective solution for preventing cavities in children and promoting long-term oral health.
Deep pits and fissures in permanent molars and premolars, inadequate brushing, and frequent intake of sugary snacks and drinks are some of the main reasons children are more prone to cavities.
Role of dental sealants in preventing cavities
Sealants provide a protective barrier on tooth surfaces that are most vulnerable to decay. They create a protective barrier over these areas, reducing the likelihood of dental decay.
Effectiveness of dental sealants in children
Research shows that combining regular brushing, flossing, and dental sealants creates the most effective cavity prevention strategy for children.
Sealants can significantly lower the decay rate of permanent dentition in the initial two years after application and have a protective effect for as long as nine years. They are a preventive dental procedure that is effective for both kids and adults.
When Should Children Get Dental Sealants?
The recommended age for dental sealants for children is between 6 and 12 years after the eruption of permanent molars and premolars.
These teeth are more cavity-prone mainly because they have deep grooves and fissures that cannot be effectively cleaned through normal brushing.
Sealants should be placed as early childhood oral preventive measures, thus laying a foundation for proper dental and gum care throughout a child’s lifetime.
Who’s a candidate for getting dental sealants?
Children and adults with teeth that have deep grooves and fissures
Children and adults who are at high risk for caries
Sealants may significantly benefit children who frequently consume sugary foods and beverages. Discuss your child’s overall dental health and any existing decay.
Dental sealants need routine check-ups to work properly. The dentist will inspect the seals to see if they are strong enough to take tooth wear in the future.
Importance of regular dental checkups for sealant evaluation
Sealants might need repair or reapplication to help retain their effectiveness as required. These routine visits also allow the dentist to look for any initial cavity formation or other tooth problems.
Dental Sealant Cost
Most dental sealants cost between $30-60 per tooth, which might sound like a lot until you realize a single filling can run $150-300, with crowns going at $1,000+. Sealant costs of course vary from region to region, depending on the cost of living.
The good news is that most insurance plans cover sealants 80-100% for kids, making them one of the best dental bargains out there. But even if you’re paying out of pocket, think of it as buying years of cavity protection for many years at a great rate.
How to Care for Dental Sealants
Good oral hygiene helps keep dental sealants effective. Teeth and sealants can be kept clean by regular flossing after meals, brushing twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste, and paying close attention to the sealed areas.
Dental sealants are strong, but biting or chewing on hard things like ice cubes, pencils, or using teeth as tools can put a lot of pressure on them, leading to significant wear and tear.
Foods and habits to avoid with dental sealants
Taking a softer diet might increase the lifespan of dental sealants.
Avoid sticky and chewy foods like popcorn and caramel, which get stuck in teeth.
Signs of potential issues with dental sealants
Immediate assessment is crucial if there are any problems with dental sealants.
When a sealant chips or breaks, it could lose its ability to protect against decay. Wear or early decay can be indicated by a rough or bumpy edge on the sealant that can be felt with your tongue.
If you experience any sensitivity or discomfort in the sealed tooth, consult your dentist to check the sealing. This will help promptly resolve any concerns and set an appointment for a dental examination.
FAQs
Q: What are dental sealants? Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to prevent cavities.
Q: Are dental sealants safe?
Yes, dental sealants are safe and non-toxic. They are made from materials that adhere to teeth and are routinely used in pediatric dentistry.
Q: How long do dental sealants last?
Sealants can last several years with proper care. They are regularly checked during dental visits and can be reapplied if necessary.
Q: Do sealants require special care?
No special care is needed beyond regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups.
Conclusion
Pediatric dentistry uses dental sealants as a safeguard and prevention method against tooth decay and cavities. These are thin plastic-like fillings laid on the chewing surfaces of the teeth with fissures and pits that trap food particles and bacteria.
The sealants act as a barrier, preventing plaque buildup and tooth decay.
It’s a painless process, and it’s especially convenient for children who fear dentists or dental treatments.
The use of dental sealants greatly reduces the chance of having cavities in sealed teeth.
They are particularly useful among adolescent kids since at this age they begin to form oral hygiene habits yet some vulnerable areas may not be effectively reached during brushing.
In general, dental sealants are an investment in early-life preventive dentistry that will help ensure good oral health for children. This makes them highly significant in cavity prevention and the oral hygiene maintenance process.
