If you have come across a situation where you need to choose dental sealants for your kid, it is naturally to become inquisitive about their feasibility in regards to kids. According to dental care experts, dental sealants are considered safe for kids and they are quite effective in reducing the risk of tooth decay. Most pediatric dentists recommend dental sealants for children aged between 5 and 14. If you have questions like – “what are dental sealants?”, “what are the benefits of dental sealants for kids?”, continue reading this post to know more.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants refer to shrill, liquid coverings that are coated onto the surface of the premolars and molars. After their application, the dentist toughens the sealant stuff to help prevent the teeth from developing cavities.

Sealants are deemed to be very safe for children and are endorsed by most pediatric dentists, as they aid in safeguarding teeth from the impacts of tooth decay and plaque. Although sealants work well for preventing cavities in kids, they should not be seen as a substitute for maintaining a healthy oral care routine.

How do dental sealants work?

The first and foremost role of dental sealants is to safeguard and cover the teeth. Though they are not meant to replace daily brushing and flossing, their purpose is to assist in the prevention of cavity formation. In applying sealants to a child's teeth, the pediatric dentist positions them over the pits and grooves of the premolars and molars.

Due to the smaller size of these grooves in children's teeth compared to those in adults, it can be challenging for children to achieve thorough cleaning. As a result, plaque may accumulate in these grooves and lead to the development of cavities.

Dental sealants provide an additional layer of protection for the teeth by creating a smooth surface, which aids in cavity prevention. In the initial stages of cavity formation, sealants can be applied over cavities to assist in slowing down the development of the cavity.

What age is recommended for kids to get dental sealants?

As soon as the permanent molars come up, dental sealants for children are applied. In this manner, children's teeth are safeguarded from decay before it strikes and forms a cavity.

Children get their first permanent molars between the ages of 5 and 7, and their second permanent molars between the ages of 11 and 14. Consequently, the optimal age range for children to receive sealants is from 5 to 14 years old.

How effective are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are a very effective way of supporting your child's ideal oral health. Dental sealants serve as both a protective and cost-effective treatment option. Dental sealants are a safe and preventive measure that can protect your child's teeth from bacteria that lead to tooth decay and, subsequently, toothaches. By using dental sealants, you can help avoid the need for more extensive and expensive restorative dental treatments in the future. Overall, dental sealant effectiveness is quite high.

Are dental sealants safe for kids?

It is entirely safe to use dental sealants on children. Some parents worry about dental sealants because they contain bisphenol A (BPA), a substance found in plastic that is associated with health issues. The quantity of BPA in dental sealants is very minimal, making it highly improbable that it poses any harm to your children.

Numerous studies conducted worldwide have established that dental sealants are safe for all ages. The sole possible danger posed by dental sealants is if your child has a congenital allergy to the plastic from which sealants are created. When your child is having a dental sealant applied, the dentist will check for this allergy.

The Conclusion

Are you considering the application of dental sealant for your child? Make sure you consult dental care experts at Federal Way Pediatric Dentistry, a leading pediatric dental practice specializing in treating infants, children, and teenagers. Their approach to pediatric dentistry aims at preventing various dental problems in kids such as cavities, periodontitis, enamel loss and gingivitis.

Disclaimer- The information provided in this content is just for educational purposes and is written by a professional writer. Consult our experts for any of your dental problems.