As a parent, you want your child to have a healthy and happy life. That starts with helping them learn how to take care of their dental hygiene.
Maintaining proper dental health is crucial for children’s overall well-being. Poor oral health is linked to various health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease. Therefore, it is important to start introducing healthy dental habits to your children from a young age.
Among the numerous solutions available to combat oral health problems, dental sealants have emerged as a highly effective preventive treatment which can protect your children’s teeth from cavities and tooth decay.
Understanding Dental Sealants
Dental sealants, also known as pit and fissure sealants, are preventive dental treatment that involves applying a thin layer of plastic coating to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where decay occurs most often. They create a protective barrier that seals deep grooves and pits in the teeth’s surfaces, preventing food particles and bacteria from accumulating and causing cavities.
How do Dental Sealants work?
Dental sealants penetrate the deeper crevices or pits and fissures of your child’s premolars and molars, where tooth decay often begins, creating a seal that prevents bacteria and food particles from getting in and forming cavities.
Applying dental sealants is a painless, non-invasive procedure, which usually takes only a few minutes to complete. The dentist will clean the teeth and use an acidic solution on the surface of the teeth to create a better bond. After rinsing and drying the teeth, the dentist applies the sealant material and cures it with a special light that dries and hardens the sealant.
Types of Dental Sealants Available
Two types of dental sealants are available: resin-based sealants and glass ionomer sealants.
Resin-based sealants are more commonly used because they are long-lasting and better suited for children. These can last up to 10 years and come in various colors to match the natural color of your child’s teeth.
Glass ionomer sealants, on the other hand, are a type of cement made from glass powder and acrylic acid. These can bond to the teeth without adhesives and release fluoride, which helps strengthen the teeth and prevent cavities. However, glass ionomer sealants may wear down more quickly in teeth with heavy chewing forces, and they are often used for children who are at high risk of cavities or in areas not subjected to heavy chewing.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are an essential preventive measure for children as they help to protect their baby teeth from decay and cavities. They create a smooth, easy-to-clean surface, making it harder for decay to start. Children’s teeth are more vulnerable to cavities due to poor oral hygiene habits, diet, and difficulty reaching all tooth surfaces with brushing and flossing. Dental sealants are protective coatings applied to the tooth’s surface to act as a barrier between bacteria and the enamel, reducing the risk of cavities.
By preventing cavities, sealants can help your child avoid future dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and the need for fillings or extractions. They offer an excellent way to protect teeth and prevent the enamel from wearing down over time.
Why Dental Sealants for Kids?
Children’s teeth are more vulnerable to cavities due to poor oral hygiene habits, diet, and difficulty reaching all tooth surfaces with brushing and flossing.
Brushing and flossing alone may not prevent cavities, especially in hard-to-reach areas such as the back of the mouth. Dental sealants are protective coatings applied to the tooth’s surface to act as a barrier between bacteria and the enamel, reducing the risk of cavities.
Dental sealants offer significant benefits, including preventing cavities, protecting tooth enamel, and providing long-lasting protection. Research shows that dental sealants can reduce the incidence of cavities in children by up to 80%. The American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry endorse dental sealants as a safe and effective way to prevent cavities in children.
By preventing cavities, dental sealants can help your child avoid future dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and the need for fillings or extractions. Additionally, dental sealants act as a protective barrier that covers the tooth’s surface and can prevent the enamel from wearing down over time.
Sealants are especially beneficial when applied to the permanent first molars (which usually come in around age 6) and second molars (which usually come in around age 12). These teeth are particularly vulnerable to cavities due to their deep pits and fissures.
When Should Kids Get Dental Sealants?
Before getting them applied, there are important factors to consider, such as:
- The child’s oral health
- Tooth development
- Risk of cavities
To identify children who may benefit from sealants, certain criteria are considered. Those with a history of cavities, deep grooves on their teeth, or difficulty in maintaining good oral hygiene are often ideal candidates.
When it comes to applying dental sealants, the earlier, the better. The CDC recommends that children get dental sealants applied on their permanent molars as soon as they emerge, usually around 6 years of age for the first molars and 12 for the second set.
It’s important to be proactive in your child’s oral health and ensure that sealant application is included as part of your child’s preventive dental care routine. With the proper care, dental sealants can last up to 10 years before they need to be reapplied. Dental sealants are a low-cost preventative measure that can provide significant long-term benefits for your child’s oral health.
The Dental Sealant Process
Dental sealants involve:
- Cleaning the teeth
- Isolating them from moisture
- Applying the sealant material
- Using a special curing light to bond the sealant to the tooth surface.
The first step is to clean the teeth thoroughly, removing all plaque and debris. Next, the teeth are dried and isolated from moisture to ensure optimal adhesion. Your dental professional may use cotton rolls or a special isolating device to protect the gums and prevent saliva from getting on the teeth.
Once the teeth are dry and isolated, your dental professional will apply the sealant material to the chewing surfaces of the molars. The sealant is a clear or tooth-colored material that flows into the pits and grooves, and smooth surfaces of the teeth, creating a barrier against bacteria and food particles that can cause decay. Finally, for resin-based sealants, a curing light hardens the sealant, bonding it to the tooth surface. However, this step is not necessary for glass ionomer sealants, which set naturally.
Ensuring Safety and Quality
Maintaining a safe and sterile environment during dental sealant application is a top priority. Dentists follow strict sterilization protocols in the dental office to guarantee cleanliness.
To ensure the safety of children, dental sealant materials must meet the standards and regulations set by the FDA. This ensures that the materials used for sealants are safe and suitable for children.
Dental professionals undergo specialized training and certification to apply dental sealants properly. This certification guarantees they have the skills and knowledge to provide high-quality, safe sealant applications.
The Importance of Dental Sealants for Optimal Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene can be challenging, especially for young children still learning proper brushing and flossing techniques. This is where dental sealants come into play.
Dental sealants are an excellent way to protect your child’s teeth by sealing out harmful bacteria and food particles. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of dental sealants in maintaining optimal oral hygiene and provide tips for parents to encourage good dental habits.
Addressing Parents Concerns About Dental Sealants
One of the common concerns parents have is whether there are any potential risks or side effects. According to the American Dental Association, dental sealants are safe, with minimal risks or side effects.
Any potential risks, such as allergic reactions, are rare and can be discussed with the dentist before the procedure. As long as the sealant is applied appropriately by a licensed dentist, the benefits far outweigh the risks.
Addressing parents’ concerns about BPA in sealants:
Another concern parents have is about the use of Bisphenol-A (BPA), a compound used in some dental sealants. The American Dental Association states that any BPA exposure from resin-based sealants is extremely minimal and does not pose a significant health risk. They consider both resin-based sealants and glass ionomer sealants to be safe and effective in cavity prevention. Discussing these options with your dentist can help ease any concerns.
Longevity of dental sealants and when to replace them:
Parents may also worry about how long dental sealants last and when they need to be replaced. Dental sealants can last several years with proper care, such as regular brushing and flossing. However, they are not permanent. With time, sealants may chip or wear off, requiring replacement. Regular dental checkups are crucial to monitor the condition of the sealants and determine when replacement liquid sealant is necessary. Your dentist can guide you on how often your child’s sealants must be checked and replaced.
Costs and Insurance Coverage
Dental sealants are a cost-effective and affordable way to prevent tooth decay in your child’s teeth. On average, sealants per tooth can range from $30-$60. However, the cost varies depending on location and dental provider.
The good news is that kids’ dental sealants are a one-time application lasting up to 10 years, making them a worthy investment for your child’s oral health.
Most dental insurance plans cover dental sealants for children as a preventive treatment. It is essential to check the coverage details with your insurance provider, as the coverage may vary based on the plan. Some insurance plans require a waiting period before the sealant procedure can be covered. Be sure to read the details of your insurance plan to determine what, if any, out-of-pocket expenses you may incur.
Families without dental insurance can explore alternative options. Dental discount plans are a great option for families without dental insurance.
These plans provide discounts on dental services and can save families up to 60% on dental procedures. Community health centers and school-based sealant programs may also be available in your area. These programs offer free or low-cost sealants for children who meet income guidelines.
While sealants are an excellent solution for preventing tooth decay, they are not a replacement for good oral hygiene habits. Encouraging your child to brush twice a day, floss daily, and attend regular dental checkups with their dentist helps to prevent tooth decay.
Dental Sealant Alternatives
Dental sealants are not the only preventive measure available for children. Maintaining a balanced diet, reducing sugary snacks and drinks, and regular fluoride treatments can contribute to cavity prevention. It is crucial to educate children on the importance of oral hygiene and proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Pros and Cons of Alternative Treatments
Alternative treatments like fluoride varnish or dental composite resins have benefits and limitations. Fluoride varnish is a concentrated fluoride paste applied to the teeth to give extra protection to the enamel and help reverse early signs of tooth decay. Dental composite resins are tooth-colored fillings that can be used to restore an area of teeth affected by decay. Discussing these options with your child’s dentist can help determine the best choice for each child.
Comparing Dental Sealants to Fluoride Treatments
While dental sealants provide physical protection, fluoride treatments strengthen tooth enamel. Fluoride strengthens the tooth from the inside out, while dental sealants protect the tooth from outside contaminants. Both can be complementary in preventing cavities.
Understanding When Dental Sealants Might Not Be the Ideal Choice for Your Child
Dental sealants are a great way to protect your child’s teeth from cavities. However, there are circumstances where they may not be the best option.
The sealant procedure requires your child to keep their mouth open and remain calm for a few minutes. If your child finds this challenging, it might be best to postpone the sealant application until they are more comfortable with dental procedures.
If your child can effectively clean their back teeth, especially after learning proper brushing techniques from a dentist, they may not need sealants.
Also, some children have molars and premolars with smooth, shallow grooves. This makes it easier to remove plaque and bacteria through regular brushing, reducing the likelihood of cavities and possibly eliminating the need for sealants.
The tooth needs to remain dry during sealant application. If your child has a particularly active tongue or sensitive gag reflex, it might complicate the procedure, as any moisture can cause the sealant to fail.
A consultation with a dentist, such as our team at AZ Family & Kid’s Dental, will help evaluate your child’s unique dental health needs. If there are any issues that could interfere with the successful application of sealants, our team will discuss and address them with you. We are here to guide you and your child through this decision and any procedures.
Summary: Smiles That Last a Lifetime
Dental sealants are thin coatings of plastic that are applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent teeth, particularly the first molars and premolars, to protect them from decay. Children’s permanent teeth begin to erupt at around age six or seven, and dental sealants are typically applied soon after to offer adult teeth the most protection.
According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dental sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of tooth decay in children’s permanent molars by up to 80%. They provide an effective barrier against harmful bacteria and acids that can damage teeth and cause cavities, reducing the need for extensive dental treatments such as fillings and crowns.
Good oral hygiene practices must be emphasized even with applying dental sealants. Food debris and plaque can still accumulate in areas of the teeth not covered by dental sealants, such as the spaces between teeth. Parents must ensure they supervise and assist their children in brushing and flossing and encourage them to develop good oral hygiene habits.
Regular visits to the dentist are also essential for maintaining good oral health after applying sealants. Dentists can monitor the condition of the sealants and teeth and identify any problems before they become more serious.
When it comes to dental sealants, the earlier, the better. The CDC recommends that children get dental sealant applied on their permanent molars as soon as they emerge, usually around six years of age. It’s important to be proactive in your child’s oral health and ensure that sealant application is included as part of your child’s preventive dental care routine.
With the proper care, dental sealants can last up to 10 years before they need to be reapplied. Dental sealants are a low-cost preventative measure that can provide significant long-term benefits for your child’s oral health.
FAQs
What are sealants made of?
There are two main types of materials used to make dental sealants: resin-based sealants and glass ionomer sealants.
Resin-based sealants are made from a type of safe plastic. They often contain a compound called Bis-GMA or similar materials, which helps the sealant harden and strongly adhere to the tooth. A special light is used to set or cure the sealant, creating a durable protective shield over the tooth. Glass ionomer sealants are made from a material that combines glass and a type of organic acid.
One advantage of glass ionomer sealants is that they slowly release fluoride, which can help further protect the teeth from decay. These sealants don’t require a special light to set, as they harden on contact with moisture..
How long do dental sealants last?
Dental sealants can last up to 10 years with proper care, but they might need reapplication if they chip or wear off. Using sealants can protect you against 80% of cavities for 2 years and still provide 50% protection for up to 4 years.
Are dental sealants painful?
No! A quick and gentle cleaning prepares the tooth, followed by a brief gel application on the chewing surface. After rinsing and drying, your tooth is fully sealed and shielded.
Can adults benefit from sealants?
Sealants shield your teeth’s hidden nooks and crannies from cavities by creating a protective barrier against food and plaque. While sealants are commonly associated with kids and teens, adults can also reap the benefits. It’s especially important for adults to consider sealants for the hard-to-reach grooves and crevices of their back teeth, as these areas are prone to decay.