Your child getting their first tooth is an exciting moment. Getting their first cavity — not so much. That’s why the Center for Pediatric Dental Health recommends dental sealants for children.
Dental sealants provide a protective barrier that helps prevent dental caries (cavities). We recommend dental sealants for most children, whether they have good oral hygiene habits or not, and are a great form of prevention dentistry.
How can dental sealants help your child’s smile? First, let’s find out what dental sealants are and how they work.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are made of resin or glass ionomer material brushed onto the chewing surfaces of molars. Molars are most vulnerable to cavities because their nooks and crannies can trap food and plaque.
Dental sealants place a barrier between the enamel and the plaque and food that can cause tooth decay. We place the sealant on molars because they are the most vulnerable in children. They’re in the back of the mouth, which can be difficult for kids to reach. They also have many small spaces on the surface where food can get trapped.
Do Dental Sealants Hurt?
Sealants are considered safe, and placing them is typically quick and comfortable. We start by thoroughly cleaning the teeth. We brush the sealant onto the tooth and allow it to dry and harden. The process is similar to painting nails.
Once the compound has dried and hardened, the child can go back to normal activities. It won’t take long to dry, and the child can eat or drink what they like after that.
Dental sealants shouldn’t cause pain or irritation.
Do You Put Dental Sealants on Baby Teeth?
Dental sealants are best on the permanent molars, but we will use them on baby teeth if your child is prone to getting cavities in their primary teeth. The goal is to help prevent tooth decay and cavities.
We will examine your child’s teeth, and if they have trouble keeping them clean and cavity-free, we can apply dental sealant to their baby molars. We will apply dental sealant later to their permanent molars.
The first permanent molars erupt at 5-7 years of age, but the second set doesn’t erupt until 11-13 years of age. This is the best time for the dental sealant. The third set of molars, commonly called wisdom teeth, don’t erupt until 17-20 years of age.
However, not everyone has all four wisdom teeth; some don’t have any, and many people have them removed. So while dental sealants can be applied to wisdom teeth, there is no point in waiting for them to come in to seal the other molars.
Why Should My Child Get Dental Sealant?
You may think tooth decay doesn’t matter in baby teeth, but it does. Premature tooth loss can allow other teeth to move into the hole left by that missing tooth. That means your child could develop tooth crowding later, which may require braces or clear aligners.
Tooth decay, left untreated, can also lead to infection of the tooth and gums. If the infection spreads to the bloodstream, it can become life-threatening. It’s important to treat it right away, but preventing it is even better, and dental sealants can help prevent tooth decay.
Can Adults Get Dental Sealants?
Yes, adults can get dental sealants, too. Those vulnerable to cavities can benefit greatly from getting dental sealants.
Adults tend to have better diets than kids (more vegetables, less sugar). However, adults also wear their teeth down over time, and changes can affect their teeth, such as hormonal changes from pregnancy, chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer treatments, and certain medications.
These can make teeth more vulnerable, so dental sealants can help protect teeth.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants can last 5-10 years or more. They can be reapplied later if needed, but by then the kids should be adults and dental sealants may not be necessary.
How will you know if you need more dental sealant? We can check during your regular dental visits. It’s another reason why regular dental checkups are so important!
FAQs About Dental Sealants
How Much Do Dental Sealants Cost?
The cost of dental sealants depends on how many teeth are sealed and what your insurance covers. Many dental plans cover sealants on children’s permanent molars as preventive care, but some don’t cover premolars, so you may pay out of pocket for those. Our team can check your benefits and give you an estimate before your child’s visit.
What is the best age to get dental sealant?
The best age is 11-13 years when the second molars have erupted. That way, all of the molars are covered until the wisdom teeth erupt, if they do.
How long will my dental sealant last?
Dental sealants can last 5-10 years, depending on how well you take care of your teeth and whether you damage the sealant by eating too many hard or crunchy foods.
Does my child have to get dental sealant?
No, it is an optional treatment. However, it can help prevent cavities and the need for fillings later.
Dental Sealants in Sicklerville, NJ
The Center for Pediatric Dental Health wants your child to have the healthiest teeth possible, and dental sealants are a great way to keep their molars healthy. It’s a fast and easy way to protect your child’s teeth.
Does your child need dental sealant in Sicklerville, NJ, Woolrich Township, NJ, or Mount Laurel, NJ? Schedule an appointment with the Center for Pediatric Dental Health!
