Dental Sealants for Children

Most parents will take all the available measures to help protect a growing child. Who wouldn’t? Dental sealants do just that. In addition to helping protect their teeth for 5 to 10 years, it is also a pain free experience. As many children grow and encounter new experiences in their young lives, dental office visits have a high percentage chance of becoming a negative experience. By having dental sealants applied not only is it a positive appointment but it will alleviate a negative examination on a later date. That would be a win-win encounter.

When is the best time to get the Dental Sealant applied?

Due to the child’s inability to brush properly they are often leaving damaging plaque on their teeth which of course results in cavities. The toughest teeth for the child to brush are those in the back of the mouth, the molars. Those permanent molars erupt between the ages 6 and 12. As soon as the permanent molars have come in is the prime time to get the dental sealant applied.

The Dental Sealant Procedure

A very simple and pain free process, the teeth must first be cleaned and polished to remove any and all food particles and lingering plaque. Then the dentist or hygienist will prepare the teeth with a gel like substance that etches the surface of the tooth. After this is rinsed off the teeth will be dried, and the dental sealant is brushed or painted on. This thin coating is made from a special plastic. The sealant is hardened and cured in about 30 seconds with an ultraviolet light. Just that quickly your child has a protective coating on their teeth. An additional measure to protect and prevent cavities as you teach them day in and day out to brush slowly. The biggest difference is with the health of those hard to reach molars in the rear. Most children rush and have a difficult time brushing those molars properly.

The Benefits and how the Dental Sealant Works

The biggest difference is with the health of those hard to reach molars in the rear. Most children rush and have a difficult time brushing those molars properly. Every tooth, and more so in the molars and premolars, have microscopic grooves and fissures that like to harbor plaque. These are the areas that are the most vulnerable to decay. The plastic sealant flows into those crevices sealing the hiding places for the plaque and bacteria. This is most beneficial on all of the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

Good Oral Hygiene

Remember, dental sealants are an additional protection. They are not designed to replace daily brushing. In use since the 1970s, it is no secret that children might eat more damaging candy, sweets and sweetened drinks than an educated adult that should know better. Consult with your family dentist on your next scheduled examination and discuss dental sealants. As beneficial as they are, not all children will necessarily need them based on the condition of the teeth as they are examined.

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