5 Questions About Pediatric Dental Sealants
Teeth decay is one of the most common chronic childhood illnesses in the U.S. In fact, it is even more common than diabetes and asthma. About 45% of children between the ages of 2 and 11 have at least one cavity, according to The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Despite some of your best efforts to maintain good oral hygiene habits of brushing and flossing your teeth, your child’s teeth can still become damaged. The good news? Dental sealants can help to protect their smile from tooth decay.
In this article, we will take a look at five common questions parents have about pediatric dental sealants and how their children can benefit from this dental treatment.
1. How Do Dental Sealants Work?
Dental sealants cover the chewing surfaces of both premolars and molars with a thin, BPA-free protective coating. When the dentist paints a sealant over the teeth, it will protect them from bacteria, food particles, and acids that tend to settle into the small grooves and pits of the teeth. It helps to create a protective barrier from harmful substances and lowers the risk of tooth decay significantly, keeping your child’s teeth safe and clean.
2. Who is Eligible for Dental Sealants?
Both adults and children benefit from the placement of sealants; it is generally best to begin receiving the treatment in the younger years before the tooth decay can begin. By coating the molars with a protective seal, they are going to be less likely to develop cavities later on. It is estimated that dental sealants themselves can prevent more than 80% of cavities in permanent molars years after the treatment.
3. How Does the Dentist Apply Sealants?
The process of sealant application is both quick and comfortable. The teeth are thoroughly cleaned and then dried before the acidic gel is placed on them. This gel will help to roughen up the surface of the teeth, allowing for a strong bond to form between the tooth and the sealant. After only a couple of seconds, your dentist will help rinse off the gel and dry the teeth. Next, the sealant is applied to the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth. A special light is used to harden the material into place, and the whole process only takes a few minutes!
4. How Long Do Sealants Last in the Mouth?
Typically, sealants can last up to ten years before they need to be reapplied. During your child’s biannual checkup, your dentist can check the condition of the sealant placed to ensure that it is in good shape. Your pediatric dentist can determine when the next treatment should be to keep protecting your favorite little smile from going bad.
5. Can Sealants Be Placed on Teeth Affected by Cavities?
If there is already a minor case of decay present on a tooth, a dental sealant is a great option to prevent further damage. Since sealants are clear in color, your dental team will be able to keep a close eye on the trouble spot to make sure that the decay does not progress.
Conclusion
Keeping your child’s teeth whole and healthy should be a top priority. By treating them with dental sealants, you can count on their growing smile to be protected and beautiful for many more years to come. With the proper time and application, your child will be on their way to having a stunning restored grin with the help of your local Montana pediatric dentist team. Trust the professionals at Lolo Dentistry, the expert children’s dentist in the Western Montana area, to help you keep your child’s teeth healthy. There are three dental offices to serve you in Lolo, Frenchtown, and Superior for Mineral County, Montana, call us at 406-284-8669 for more information on procedures, dentistry, reviews, and more.
Trust the professionals at Lolo Dentistry, expert Missoula dentists, to help you keep your child’s teeth healthy. There are three dental offices to serve you in Lolo, Frenchtown, and Superior for Mineral County, Montana, call us at 406-284-8669 for more information on procedures, dentistry, reviews, and more today! We are one of the only children’s dentists in Montana that accepts Medicaid.