Preventing Cavities in Kids: How Dental Sealants Can Help
Are you seeking an extra way to protect your child’s teeth from cavities? Dental sealants could be the solution you need.
While brushing and flossing are crucial, they might not fully prevent cavities. Dental sealants offer an added defence layer, helping shield your child’s teeth from decay.
This quick and painless preventive treatment is especially effective in guarding those hard-to-reach areas where food and bacteria tend to hide.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin protectors painted on the pits and grooves of the back teeth, called molars, in your child’s mouth.
These teeth are most prone to cavities due to their deep grooves and pits, which are often hard to clean thoroughly, even with regular brushing and flossing.
The sealant acts as a barrier, covering these areas and preventing food particles and plaque from getting trapped.
Once applied, the sealant quickly bonds with the enamel, forming a smooth surface that repels bacteria and makes cleaning much more accessible.
Think of dental sealants as a safety net for your child’s teeth – adding an extra layer of protection that helps prevent cavities from forming in the first place.
Why Are Kids More Prone to Cavities?
Children’s teeth are often more susceptible to cavities due to various factors.
First, kids are still developing their brushing and flossing habits, meaning they may miss certain spots, especially in those hard-to-reach molars.
Secondly, children’s diets can often include sugary snacks and drinks, which increase the risk of cavities.
Lastly, a child’s tooth enamel – the outer white layer – is not as thick as an adult’s, so the teeth are much more susceptible to cavities.
As important as taking your child for routine dental check-ups and cleanings, dental sealant provides extra protection to help lower your child’s risk of cavities.
How Dental Sealants Are Applied
One of the best things about dental sealants is that the process is quick and completely painless.
Here’s what you can expect when your child gets dental sealants:
- Teeth cleaning: The dentist will first clean and dry the teeth to ensure no food particles or plaque remain.
- Application of sealant: The molars’ chewing surfaces are then directly coated. This liquid material flows into the deep grooves and quickly hardens, forming a protective shield over the enamel.
- Curing: Some sealants require a special light to cure or harden the material, but this step takes a few seconds.
You do not need to restrict your child’s diet after the procedure; your child can eat and drink as usual.
The sealant is clear or slightly tinted, so it’s barely noticeable and doesn’t affect your child’s teeth’ appearance or feel.
The Benefits of Dental Sealants
1. Long-Lasting Protection
One key benefit of dental sealants is their longevity. They can last for several years with proper care before needing to be reapplied.
During your child’s routine dental check-ups, the dentist will examine the sealants to ensure they’re still intact and provide the protection your child needs.
2. Cost-Effective Prevention
Preventing a cavity is always better than treating one, and dental sealants offer a cost-effective way to avoid the need for more invasive treatments down the line.
Once a cavity forms, it typically requires a filling, and if ignored, it raises the risk of other problems, including infections and root canals.
Dental sealants are a simple preventive measure that can save time and money in the long run.
3. Painless and Non-Invasive
Dental sealants are applied quickly and painlessly, making them ideal for children anxious about dental visits.
Since no drilling or numbing is required, it’s a stress-free process for you and your child.
The process can be readily incorporated into your busy schedule since it takes less than thirty minutes.
4. Helps with Overall Oral Health
Dental sealants also help maintain the overall health of your child’s mouth by preventing cavities. Cavities can lead to discomfort, pain, and even infection, but with sealants in place, you’re helping to keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong.
This simple procedure supports your child’s oral hygiene routine and sets them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
When to Consider Dental Sealants
The ideal time to place dental sealants is immediately after your child’s first permanent molars, which occur between 6 and 12.
However, it’s never too late to start if your child already has molars and hasn’t applied sealants.
Sometimes, even baby teeth can benefit from sealants if they have deep grooves or are at high risk of decay.
Dental sealants may be beneficial if your child is prone to cavities or has difficulty cleaning their molars.
Talk to your Canley Heights dentist during your next visit to determine if sealants suit your child.
Dental Sealants in Canley Heights
Cavities are common for kids but don’t have to be inevitable. By investing in dental sealants, you’re taking a proactive step in protecting your child’s teeth and setting them up for a healthy future.
Ready to give your child’s teeth the protection they deserve?
At Canley Heights Dental Care, we provide many dental services, including fissure sealants, to help you keep your mouth healthy and avoid oral problems.
Schedule an appointment with your Canley Heights dentist today to discover how dental sealants can prevent cavities in their smile.
Call us on (02) 9199 9678 or visit us at 1/229 Canley Vale Road in Canley Heights.