Commonly Asked Questions About Dental Sealants for Kids

Dental sealants can protect your child’s oral health. Bacteria in the mouth are always present. That is why protecting your child’s teeth is important. Dental protection has to happen at an early age. If you want to know more about dental sealants for children, here are some common questions and their answers.

What is a dental sealant?

This is a thin dental coating. It is a plastic sealant. The dentist applies it to the child’s bicuspids and molars. This sealant covers the grooves and crevices of chewing surfaces. The coating prevents food particles and plaque from sticking to teeth. It then reduces the development of cavities.

Do sealants make teeth feel thicker?

The chewing surfaces of teeth feel a little rough with deeper grooves and indentations. A coating of dental sealants will make teeth feel smoother. Children will notice this after the sealants set. They will notice how thicker their molars become as well.

Are these sealants painful?

Getting sealants is not painful at all. It may cause a little anxiety in kids thinking it may hurt, but it will not. Parents do not need to worry about the procedure at all. There are even no side effects to the treatment.

How do sealants look, and do they last long?

Upon application, sealants can appear white, a little tinted, or clear. Most sealants are not visible when the child smiles or talks. Dental sealants can last up to about nine years. The dentist must inspect these sealants during routine checkups. This will make sure the child’s teeth maintain cavity protection.

Can sealants go over teeth with cavities?

There are cases when cavities develop before the dental sealants go on the child’s teeth. When this happens, the dentist will treat the cavities first. Dental fillings must fill these cavities. This will prevent the decay from spreading. Then, the dentist will apply the dental sealants onto the chewing surfaces. The protective layer will protect the teeth from further decay.

What is the good age for sealants?

It is better for the child to get dental sealants earlier. A child’s first molars erupt at around six years of age. The second molars follow at around 12 years old. Parents must bring their children to the dentist for sealants once these teeth appear.

Applying these sealants prevents dental issues as the child grows. Teaching the child proper oral care will help maintain the child’s oral health. Brushing two times a day and flossing once a day are standard oral care practices. This will maximize the function of the dental sealants. Regular dental visits will also keep the sealants intact. The visits will also help familiarize the child with the dental clinic.

Dental sealants can help keep your child’s smile bright and healthy

Bringing your child early to the dentist is a good way to introduce good dental care. This must happen once the molars erupt. Bacteria are always present in the mouth. The early application of dental sealants will help prevent dental issues from occurring. An appointment with your child’s dentist will be enough for the application of these sealants.

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