Dental Sealant – Could It Help Protect Your Kids Teeth?
Some kids don't make it through each dental cleaning without getting the news that they will need to come back for a filling or two. This doesn't mean that they don't practice good dental hygiene – it could be due to the shape of his or her teeth, the daily diet or even how much saliva their mouth produces. If your kids seem to have issues with cavities, it might be time to consider talking to your pediatric dentist about having dental sealant applied to the teeth.
What is dental sealant?
Basically, dental sealant is a very thin plastic coating that is applied to the teeth. The coating protects the teeth from exposure to acids and sugars that can cause cavities. Sealant is oftentimes applied to teeth that have deep pits or grooves in them. This makes it easier to effectively brush and floss the teeth and prevent future decay.
How is the sealant applied?
It is a painless procedure – much like getting the fluoride treatment. The dentist will paint on a liquid form of the sealant which will quickly dry and harden to create a shell over the tooth.
Is dental sealant an option for your kids?
Dental sealant is a viable option for kids of any age, but is commonly used for very young kids, those with deep pits or those that have issues with saliva production. As your kids grow into teenagers and their adult molars grow into place, sealant may be an option to help protect them from decay and avoid damaging the teeth that they are meant to have for the rest of their lives. If your kids have had several cavities in the early years, there is a very good chance that the cycle will continue and dental sealant will help.
How long does dental sealant last?
Kids with baby teeth probably won't need to get the sealant reapplied – the teeth will fall out and be replaced with their adult teeth. However, adult teeth may need to have the sealant reapplied several years after it was first put on. The dentist will likely remove the existing sealant and reapply a fresh coat to protect the teeth for the next several years.
If this is something that you think will help your kids get through life without having lots of issues with cavities, talk with your dentist. He or she will be able to help you make the best decisions for your family.