Dental sealants have become an increasingly popular thing pediatric dental specialists apply to children’s teeth. However, many parents are unsure of what dental sealants for kids are and why they are important. In this article, we will discuss what dental sealants are to help you make an informed decision as to whether your child should visit their pediatric dentist to receive sealants.
What are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating that is applied to fill the base of deep grooves on the teeth. These sealants help protect children’s teeth from cavities. The deep grooves of teeth, specifically the molars, are highly susceptible to developing cavities because food has an easier time sticking and not getting cleaned out well enough. No matter how hard your child seems to brush their teeth, they still may struggle to reach those grooves properly. According to the American Dental Association, dental sealants help reduce a child’s risk of developing cavities by 80%.
This protective layer is made of a thin white or clear medical-grade resin and is applied using a small brush. It is exceptionally safe to teeth because it bonds to the tooth rather than going inside it, like a filling. Once it is applied to the tooth, a pediatric dentist will use a blue LED light to dry it.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
The most obvious benefit of dental sealants for kids is that it helps avoid tooth decay. Not only will it protect teeth from cavities, but they will also help you potentially save hundreds of dollars on dental work down the road. When it comes to the process of putting dental sealants on, it is fast and painless. There are no drills involved or numbing required. Additionally, your child can eat and drink right away and are not restricted to anything.
Who Can Get Sealants
Pediatric dental specialists recommend children get sealants as soon as their molars come in. Applying sealants to the back molars at a young age help prevent tooth decay. The first set of molars typically appear around 6 years old, while the second set of molars appear around 12 years old.
Contact Shoal Creek Smiles
At Shoal Creek Smiles, our pediatric dental specialists in Kansas City are dedicated to building a future of healthy smiles and treating children’s dental needs with care and understanding. If you would like to learn more about dental sealants for your child, please schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentist in Kansas City by calling 816-781-5437. Feel free also to read our blog page to learn more about how to take care of your children’s teeth!
