Dental tartar and plaques often hide where toothbrush bristles cannot reach. If your child has had many cavities or is struggling with brushing their molars well, our team may recommend dental sealants. Dental sealants are a clear, BPA-free resin coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This sealant reduces the plaque’s ability to accumulate. Overall, dental sealants can offer a lot of benefits. We’ve taken the time to outline the benefits below.
Seals Chewing Surfaces
While you may reinforce teeth brushing in your home, your child may still struggle to clean their back teeth, which can sometimes be hard to reach. Sealing the molars can help with this issue, reducing the risk for cavities.
Reduces Nooks and Crannies for Plaque
Dental plaque loves to eat starch and sugar that is left behind on your child’s teeth. If your child is not brushing away the plaque on their molars, plaque can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Dental sealants cover the pits and fissures that plaque likes to hide in.
Protects Tooth Enamel
Once enamel is eroded, it is gone for good. This is why it is very important for your child to brush and floss daily. Dental sealants can offer an extra layer of protection to your child’s teeth. Sealants are recommended as soon as the permanent molars erupt, around the age of six. A child’s second set of permanent molars will erupt around the age of 12, which will need sealants as well.
The Sealant Process is Quick and Painless
The process of applying dental sealants is a simple one. First, the teeth are cleaned and prepared with a conditioner. The sealant is then applied to the teeth, which hardens for 1-2 minutes using a curing light. Sealants can last one to two years before they should be reapplied due to the regular wear and tear of chewing.
Sealants can Save You Money
While sealants are a quick and easy solution for protecting a child’s teeth, they are also more cost-effective than dental restorations. Preventing the need for cavity treatment makes sealants a fantastic preventative choice for children.
Request a Consultation
Overall, sealants are a great way to help keep cavities at bay. If you are interested in getting sealants for your child’s teeth, we can help! Contact Sprout Kids Dentistry near Boston, MA today to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Michelle Anderson is a pediatric dentist board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
