As your child grows, things like basic oral hygiene will become easier for them to manage on their own. However, when they first develop their adult teeth, many kids aren’t quite ready to protect them properly by themselves. Unfortunately, despite this fact, avoiding painful problems like cavities and decay early on is still of the utmost importance. So, how can you ensure their mouth stays healthy and strong if they haven’t quite mastered brushing and flossing yet? Here’s a closer look at how dental sealants could act as a powerful barrier against dental damage in your child’s growing smile!
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, BPA-free plastic or resin coatings that are applied directly on the chewing surfaces of your child’s molars and premolars for the purpose of preventing the development of cavities. Coated onto the tooth with a small paintbrush, they block out food particles from infiltrating the pits and crevices, creating a long-lasting barrier against damage.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants are strong and durable, and with proper care could last between five and ten years. Though they won’t stick around forever, they should remain in place long enough for your child to mature and learn proper brushing and flossing techniques. Then, once they can maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine on their own, they can either redo the sealants, or continue to care for their healthy, beautiful smile with less cavities!
Will Dental Sealants Be Noticeable in My Child’s Smile?
Dental sealants are typically made to blend in with your child’s smile, and are usually white or translucent, so nobody should be able to tell they have them besides you, your kiddo, and their favorite dentist!
Does it Hurt to Get Dental Sealants?
Many kids are initially afraid to get dental sealants because they’re worried the treatment might hurt. The good news is that these beneficial barriers are completely painless. First, their dentist will completely dry their freshly cleaned teeth. Then, they will gently paint on the sealant(s) to the biting surface(s). In some cases, the sealant will harden on its own in just a few minutes. Or a pain-free curing light (like the one their dentist uses to harden tooth-colored fillings) could be used to solidify the coating and ensure it stays firmly in place for years to come.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are an ideal option for children who have difficulty properly brushing and flossing their permanent teeth, or on teeth that have already experienced some decay and are at risk of getting worse. Because they last for up to ten years, this treatment offers an added layer of protection while kids are still learning to brush, so their teeth are still healthy and strong when they’re able to care for their smile without parental assistance.
Remember, although you can’t always be there to help brush and floss your child’s teeth, that doesn’t mean you can’t still help protect them. If you’d like to prevent dental damage like cavities and decay from causing painful problems in your child’s growing grin, speak to their dentist today about the incredible benefits of dental sealants!
About Our Practice
At NU Dental of Barnegat, we understand that kids don’t always clean their teeth as well as they should. Whether they haven’t yet developed the dexterity, don’t understand the importance, or simply have cavity prone smiles, dental sealants can provide an added layer of protection against cavities and decay while they grow. To learn more about dental sealants, schedule a consultation today by visiting our website or calling 609-879-0036.