Is your child prone to cavities? Sometimes young kids can have a difficult time brushing their teeth and staying on top of their oral health care routine. If this is the case for your family, dental sealants may be a great option for your child! They are a very common preventative measure that many parents choose to take in order to protect their child’s smile as they get the hang of keeping their smile clean!
What Exactly Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a thin protective coating that is put on your child’s teeth to prevent tooth decay from plaque or bacteria. They are typically put on the back molars, where cavities are more likely to form. Dental sealants are also an excellent option for people of all ages. If your teeth tend to have deep grooves, you may want to consider sealants. They are usually made with a resin, just like how we repair cavities.
Usually, dental sealants are put on permanent teeth, but in some cases, they can also be recommended for baby teeth. Baby teeth are a little less of a concern, it would depend on timing of how recently the tooth erupted and how soon it is likely to fall out. If the baby tooth is likely to fall out soon and there is no history of cavities, they can be left as is.
Do They Last Forever?
Dental sealants are not permanent and will need to be replaced every five years on average. While sealants are often made of the same material as cavity fillings, fillings last longer because they are often deep within the tooth and therefore have more to anchor on to. Sealants are just a thin coating to cover the grooves, no drilling is involved. Cavity fillings can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years depending on eating and cleaning habits.
Conclusion
Dental sealants are an excellent option for children, teens, and adults alike! They are a good way to prevent cavities and provide long term protection for growing smiles! The sealant procedure is more comfortable and may also be more of an affordable option for your child than sitting through multiple filling appointments.
If you believe that you, your child, or someone you know is a good candidate for dental sealants, they can book an appointment with us here!
