What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants for kids are thin coats made of plastic or other safe materials that protect the teeth. Most of the time, dentists put them on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars), which are the most likely to get cavities. Kids often have trouble cleaning these grooves and pits in their back teeth, even when they brush their teeth every day. Sealants go over those spots and keep germs and food particles from getting in and breaking down the food.
It is not possible to see sealants when your child talks or laughs because they are clear or almost white. If you put them on your teeth, they harden right away and form a shield to protect the surface.
Why Are Dental Sealants Important for Children?
It is very normal for kids to have problems with their teeth. A lot of kids still get cavities, especially in their back molars, even though they brush and floss their teeth every day. Dental treatments for kids add an extra layer of defense to help lower this chance.
Studies have shown that sealants can cut the chance of getting cavities in your back molars by as much as 80%. This helps a lot between the ages of 6 and 14, when cavities are most likely to happen. Sealants help keep teeth healthy so that you don't have to get fillings, caps, or even lose teeth in the future.
When you look for dental care near me, make sure that the clinic treats kids with sealants. Being careful will save you money in the long run and keep your child's smile healthy and bright.
Are Dental Sealants Safe?
One thing that parents often worry about is whether sealants are safe. The good news is that dental sealants for kids are safe as long as they are applied by a trained professional. The products used are safe and have been approved by dentistry groups.
Some people may be worried about the BPA (bisphenol A) that is in sealants, but there is almost no BPA in them. BPA is more likely to get into your child's body through food and drink products than through seals. The main thing to remember is that coatings are much more helpful than they are harmful.
If you select a center that has a good name for infant or cosmetic dentistry, for example, LiT Dental, you can be sure that your child will get the best care possible using the safest materials.
The Process of Applying Dental Sealants
Getting dental sealants for kids is painless and doesn't require any drilling. No part of the tooth needs to be drilled out or taken out. During the process, these things usually happen:
The dentist will first clean and dry the child's tooth well. A special solution is then used to make the surface a little rough, which makes it easier for the glue to stick. The dentist rinses and dries the tooth again, then puts the sealing material right on the chewing surface. After that, a special blue light is used to quickly harden the sealant.
It only takes a few minutes per tooth to do everything. Your child can eat and drink regularly after the visit, and they won't feel any pain.
How Long Do Sealants Last?
Dental sealants for kids can last for years, sometimes up to 10 years, based on how they chew and take care of their teeth. During frequent checkups, dentists will look at the seals and can put them on again if they start to wear off.
Keep telling your child to brush twice a day, floss every day, and stay away from too many sticky or hard snacks to get the most out of sealants. To ensure that everything stays in good shape, make sure to schedule regular checkups with a provider who provides dental care near me. LiT Dental would be the perfect choice for you to get dental sealants for your toddlers or teenagers.