As a parent, you know you want your child to have a strong, healthy smile. That’s why you work hard to help your little one establish a good oral hygiene routine, limit sugary drinks and snacks, and attend routine professional cleanings to set the foundation for lifelong oral health. But what if you could take it a step further? What if you could ensure your child has a little extra protection against cavities—just in case?
This is where dental sealants shine.
What are they, and do they really prevent cavities? Let’s talk about it.
What are Dental Sealants for Kids?
Dental sealants are a protective coating made of resin material that is painted onto the chewing surface of molars and premolars. Because these teeth are more difficult to reach and clean thoroughly, they seem to pose the biggest problem for cavities in kids.
The treatment is completely safe, quick, and painless. The best part? It does not alter the appearance of the teeth at all. Dental sealants are a simple way to form a barrier between enamel and the plaque and bacteria that can cause decay.
How Do Sealants Work?
Plaque and bacteria that don’t get properly removed from the mouth can eventually lead to cavities. While brushing and flossing at home is often very effective in between professional cleanings, sometimes it is just not enough. Hard-to-reach areas often have debris that has gone undetected.
Dental sealants are a simple solution. Once in place, they act as a shield, keeping the bacteria in the debris from getting to your enamel. Here’s how it works.
After a cleaning, the teeth are dried, and a liquid resin is painted onto the chewing surface of each tooth using a small brush. Then, a special light is used to cure or harden the sealant within seconds.
The entire procedure only takes a few minutes, but it can offer protection for several years.
Do Sealants Really Prevent Cavities?
There is no denying the effectiveness of dental sealants for cavity prevention. After all, they physically block the bacteria from getting to the tooth’s enamel—even in crevices. Children who brush and floss but miss these groovy areas have an extra safety net with sealants, keeping them safe from cavities.
As kids get older, they will hone their oral hygiene skills, and dental sealants will no longer be needed. Until then, they are a highly recommended, very effective, and safe dental treatment.
What Happens If My Child Does Not Get Sealants?
Pediatric dentists will suggest this preventive treatment, but the choice to move forward is ultimately the parents. Without sealants, the molars are left exposed, and bacteria are able to settle into the crevices of a tooth.
Even the best brushing and flossing skills may miss these deep, hidden areas as a cavity begins to form. Once it is discovered, a filling will be needed to stop the spread—assuming it is caught before it gets too deep and requires a more invasive procedure.
Dental sealants can protect your child from cavities, eliminating the pain they cause and the expense of the procedure to correct them. It's a small step to take for a big reward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dental sealants cause any pain?
No, the application procedure is entirely painless. There is no need for any local anesthetic because there is no discomfort. Most kids find the process very easy and quick.
Are sealants covered by dental insurance?
While it will depend on your specific dental insurance plan, most will cover sealants for children, as it is viewed as a preventive treatment, reducing the need for more expensive alternatives.
At Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in compassionate, comprehensive dental care for children of all ages. If you are ready to protect your child’s smile, we are here to make that possible through preventive treatments like dental sealants. Schedule an appointment today.