As a parent, you should be sure that your child is healthy, joyful, and safe. When it comes to oral health, one way to protect your child’s teeth from damage is by using dental sealants. Children without sealants have almost 3 times more 1st molar cavities than those with sealants. Studies have shown that the number of children with sealants has grown over time. Let us first see what exactly the dental sealants are! 

What are Dental Sealants? 

Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating that is applied to the chewing textures of the back teeth, which are more prone to cavities. Untreated cavities can induce pain, infection, and difficulties eating, speaking, and learning. We agree that brushing your teeth is essential, but dental sealants may be the most useful way to prevent kids from getting cavities. 

They are a common and effective preventive step that can be used to guard children’s teeth against cavities. Dental sealants are a wonderful way to add a defensive barrier between the textures of your teeth and damaging decay-causing bacteria. The biting surfaces of molars have many tiny grooves where bacteria can conveniently collect, leading to erosion and destruction. Sealants are a functional way to safeguard your smile. There are so many benefits of Dental Sealants! Let us discuss some! 

Sealants are suitable for all ages

Contrary to what many believe, sealants are not only useful in children. While it is true that children are the most common age demographic for the treatment, anyone can share the same benefits. Permanent teeth of older patients are also riddled with small grooves that need to be covered to protect the tooth from bacteria.

Protection against cavities

Dental sealants can help safeguard teeth from cavities by protecting the molar’s top with a “tooth-coloured” plastic. This supplementary layer of protection makes it difficult for bacteria to remain on the surface of a tooth. 

The process of applying dental sealants is painless and does not involve any alterations to the tooth’s surface. To apply sealants, the teeth are thoroughly cleaned to remove any hidden food particles or plaque. Once cleaned, the teeth are dried, and a small amount of gel is placed on the teeth to help with the bonding process. The tooth is then rinsed and dried again. The dental sealant will then be painted onto the chewing surface of the tooth. During the sealant process, all pits and crevices are filled in, and the tooth will be cured to make the sealant permanent. With proper care, dental sealants can last between 5 and 10 years. 

Reduce deep grooves

Molars have deeper grooves and depressions on the surfaces, making them more challenging to clean. No matter how well you brush, toothbrush bristles can’t reach all the groves and depressions located on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Most unreachable spots are primed for plaque and food particles to collect. It is also easier for bacteria and food debris to build up in these deep areas. Eventually, these deep grooves will lead to a tooth experiencing some degree of dental decay. Dental sealants prevent decay from developing in these vulnerable areas.

Quick and painless

The process of applying dental sealants is a simple one. The teeth are cleaned and prepared for the sealant material to be applied. Teeth are prepared by using a mild solution that is similar in strength to lemon juice or vinegar. This slightly roughens the surface of each tooth to help the sealant material bond properly to the tooth. Once the tooth has been prepared, the acrylic sealant is then applied to the tooth or teeth. The sealant material can flow into depressions or grooves on a tooth and fills them in. It is then allowed to harden for 1-2 minutes, at which time the tooth will become sealed and protected from bacteria collecting in the pits and grooves.

Long-Lasting 

Applying sealants during childhood will protect the teeth throughout the most cavity-prone years because sealants can last for many years with proper care. Sealants will last longer if you maintain good oral hygiene and avoid biting hard objects. During routine dental visits, the dentist will check the sealants and may recommend re-application or repair when necessary.

Sealants can save you money 

Besides being a fast and painless solution for protecting a child’s teeth, sealants are also much more cost-effective than dental restorations. Most dental insurance companies include sealants in the list of treatments covered under most general policies. Preventing the need for expensive and painful cavities at a fraction of the cost makes dental sealants the preventative choice for children.

Who should get dental sealants?

Children

Once a child’s adult teeth start to come in, it can be helpful to have dental sealants applied to their molars. Decay tends to occur early in life and guarding children’s teeth can reap numerous benefits for them afterwards in life. This will help them avoid severe damage like cavities or erosion.

Teenagers

Teenagers are another prominent candidate for having dental sealants applied. Guarding their teeth while they are still young will help them to avoid harm from incurring later on in their adult lives. 

Dental sealants are a simple and affordable technique that people should invest in so that they can save their teeth. While anyone can profit from dental sealants, younger people can be the most as their teeth are still new. It’s always reasonable to talk with a dental expert about sealants as they can decide whether or not your molars could make use of them.

If you have queries about dental sealants then reach out to us! At Smile Collective, we have trained professionals who would be glad to answer your questions or walk you through the dental sealant procedure. Give us a call or stop in today!