As parents we just want our children stay safe, healthy, and always look beautiful. For this, we do everything we can do. And protecting your child’s teeth health is one of the important tasks. With daily brushing and flossing can keep children’s teeth protective. But children’s molars have deep grooves that easily trap food and bacteria. So, here comes: Dental Sealants. It’s a simple and painless solution to stop cavities before they even start.
Sounds helpful? Let’s dig deeper into this and find out how it can protect your children’s teeth for long time- because you can’t stop children to eat chocolates or other items that cause cavities.
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental Sealants are thin protective coating that applies to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. These are the most sensitive areas that prone to tooth decay because they have pits and grooves where toothbrush bristles can’t always reach.
Majorly sealant act like a protective barrier or shield that covers the enamel and prevent plaque acids and bacteria from settling in. It is made of safe and tooth colored resin, so once it applied, you won’t feel anything and no can predict you have done anything to your teeth.
Why Kids Need Dental Sealants?
Cavities are one of the common dental issues that often parents struggle with. No matter how well you brush kid’s teeth, they still get cavities because children often fond of snacks and chocolates that leaves some food particles and bacteria can lead to decay in molars.
So, how dental sealants prevent cavities?
Sealant act as a barrier that prevents bacteria. Even studies prove that it reduces the incidence of molar decay by up to 80%. So, as a parent, if you’re seeking for a low-cost and effective cavity prevention solution for your child, speak with your Etobicoke dentist about sealants.
The Dental Sealants Application Process
If you’re curious to understand how’s the sealant application process, then here’s how it goes:
Step 1: Doctor first cleans the molar to remove any debris present, the drying it to keep it moisture-free.
Step 2: After completing the first step, a light gel is applied after a few seconds in order to rough up the surface. This assists in more bonding in the sealant.
Step 3: Now, dentist applies the sealant (liquid) into the tooth’s grooves carefully. Then to keep it longer, a blue light is used to harden the sealant and keep it long-lasting for years.
Don’t worry you won’t feel irritation or hardness. The entire process takes about 10–15 minutes and doesn’t require anesthesia. The good part? Your child can eat and drink just after the treatment.
Advantages of Dental Sealants for Kids
- Prevents cavities
- No pain
- Affordable than fillings or crowns
- Last 5–10 years with proper care
- Approved by the ADA and BPA-Free
Sealants not only protect your child’s teeth but also save you future dental bills and the stress of dealing with toothaches or fillings.
The Best Age for Dental Sealants in Children
One of the questions that a parent can ask is: When do I put dental sealants on my child?
Dental sealants in children should be used at the age of 6-12 years old when the first and second permanent molars have erupted.
- Age 6: The first molars are erupted.
- Age 12: Molars are the second ones to be developed.
The sealant at these ages is used to aid in protecting the teeth during the cavity years. Nevertheless, when a dentist sees deep grooves on baby molars, they can recommend sealants sooner to avoid the decay of those teeth as well.
In case you live in or around the area of Etobicoke, your local family dentist would be able to determine whether or not your child’s teeth are ready to get sealed during a routine visit.
Caring for Dental Sealants
Sealants are strong, but that doesn’t mean you won’t need care. They still need effective care.
- Brush your child’s teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Avoid chewing hard candies and ice.
- Schedule regular dental visits to check sealant integrity.
If a sealant wears down or chips, your dentist can easily reapply it.
Myths About Dental Sealants – What Parents Should Know!
Myth #1: Sealants won’t last longer.
Truth: With proper oral care and frequent exams, they can endure for years.
#Myth 2: Sealants are harmful.
Truth: According to studies, sealants are BPA-free, non-toxic, and FDA-approved.
Myth #3: They are only for permanent teeth.
Truth: Sealants can help infant molars with deep grooves, too.
Myth #4: Sealants can replace brushing.
Truth: No, they are a supplement to brushing and flossing, not a replacement.
Common Questions About Dental Sealants for Kids
Are dental sealants safe among children?
Yes. Sealants are not harmful at all and they are composed of BPA free resin. They have applied during decades as an efficient cavity-preventing tool.
Does Dental sealants have a long lifespan?
The sealants have an average life span of 5 to 10 years, depending on the chewing patterns and oral health status of your child.
What is the optimal age of dental sealants in children?
The optimal age is 6 to 12 years when permanent molars develop.
What is the lifespan of the dental sealants on kids?
If sealants properly brushed off and regularly checked by the dentist can last almost ten years and then they require a new one.
Do dental sealants hurt?
Not at all. It is fast, painless, and requires no needles and drilling.
Can baby teeth get sealants?
Yes. Sealing the baby molars may also be recommended by your dentist in the event that they have deep grooves or are susceptible to cavities especially in your child.
What is the price of dental sealants in a dentist in Etobicoke?
Prices differ clinic to clinic, however, sealants are not cheap, and in most cases they are included in prevention insurance packages.
Final Thoughts
Healthy teeth mean confident smiles and pain-free childhoods. One of the simplest and best prevention methods of cavity prevention without drills and pain is dental sealants in kids.
In case your child is not yet sealed with the sealants, you can consider visiting your favorite dentist in Etobicoke. The act is a mere measure that can lead to a permanent change in the oral health of your child.
