##The Benefits of Dental Sealants for Your Child's Teeth
Sealing your child's teeth is one of the most effective ways to protect their smile. **Dental sealants** create a protective barrier on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, preventing cavities from forming. Getting sealants placed is a quick and painless procedure that can save your child from extensive dental work down the road. Read on to learn all about the benefits of **dental sealants** and why they should be a part of your child's oral health routine.
##What Are Dental Sealants?
**Dental sealants** are thin, plastic coatings that are applied to the pits and grooves of teeth. They act as a barrier to protect the chewing surfaces from plaque and acids that can lead to decay. Sealants are most often placed on permanent molars as soon as they erupt, typically around ages 6-7. However, they can also be applied to primary molars and premolars if deep grooves are present.
Sealants adhere to the tooth's enamel, sealing off the little nooks and crannies where food particles tend to get trapped. This creates a smooth surface that is easier to keep clean with regular brushing and flossing. Getting sealants placed is quick and painless - no drills or anesthesia required! The dentist simply cleans the tooth surface, applies an acidic gel to roughen it up, rinses it off and "paints" on the liquid sealant. Within a few minutes the sealant hardens, forming a durable shield.
##Why Sealants Are Important for Children
Back molars are especially vulnerable to decay because their chewing surfaces are rough with deep pits and grooves. Plaque and bacteria easily get lodged in these crevices, especially if a child doesn't brush and floss meticulously. The longer plaque sits on the teeth, the more acid it produces, eroding away precious enamel. A child may not even be aware a cavity is forming until significant damage is done. **Sealants** help prevent this process from the very beginning.
Younger children in particular benefit from sealants because their oral hygiene habits are still developing. No matter how diligent they are, it can be difficult for kids to access every nook and cranny where decay starts. **Sealants** essentially fill in the gaps, limiting areas where bacteria can multiply. With sealants in place, simple brushing and flossing is enough to keep teeth protected.
##Are Dental Sealants Effective?
Research has shown **dental sealants** to be highly effective at preventing cavities in children and teens when properly placed and maintained. In fact, sealants can reduce decay in permanent molars by nearly 80% for up to 4 years when kept intact. However, the success of sealants depends on appropriate application and follow-up care.
The sealing application must be done carefully to ensure full coverage over the grooves and pits. Your child should have their sealants checked at regular dental visits to ensure they are still fully bonded. Sometimes sealants can chip or wear over time, leaving an opening for decay. Your dentist can easily reapply sealant to any areas that need patching up. As long as the sealant remains intact, your child’s teeth will be protected.
##Are Dental Sealants Safe?
Sealants have been used in dentistry since the 1960s and are proven safe and effective. The sealant material is non-toxic and BPA-free. Because sealant application requires no drilling, it is considered far less invasive than a filling or crown procedure that would be required to fix a cavity.
The only risk associated with sealants is potential allergy or sensitivity to the material. Make sure to inform your dentist of any existing allergies your child may have. Using meticulous isolation techniques, your dentist will be able to keep the sealant only on the tooth surface, minimizing any risks. Sealants are so safe and effective that the CDC and ADA recommend them for all children, especially those at high risk for decay.
##What Is the Sealant Procedure Like?
Getting sealants placed is fast, easy and painless, taking just a few minutes per tooth. No shots, drilling or anesthesia is required - which means your child will experience no discomfort. Here's an overview of the simple sealing process:
- The tooth is cleaned thoroughly and then isolated with cotton rolls/suction so only the sealing surface is exposed.
- An acidic gel is applied to roughen up the enamel surface, which helps the sealant bond properly.
- The tooth is rinsed and dried completely.
- The liquid sealant material is painted onto the grooves in a thin, even layer. A special curing light is used to quickly harden the sealant.
- The dentist checks the sealant for proper coverage and makes sure the "biting" surface is smooth.
- The procedure is repeated for any additional teeth being sealed.
And that's it! Your child can return to school or normal activities right after a **sealant** appointment. Getting this protective layer on your child's molars is one of the easiest, most effective ways to prevent cavities and costly fillings down the road. Be sure to ask your pediatric dentist if sealants are right for your child.
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