Top 5 benefits of dental sealants for your child
As much as we may want our children to have perfect teeth, we have a bigger role to play. Good oral health starts by teaching your kids about proper dental hygiene practices and taking them to the dentist for occasional dental check-ups and professional cleaning.
But that isn’t enough. Even though you can teach your child how to brush and floss every day, they may be unable to clean the back teeth effectively, leaving behind trapped food particles. Over time, plaque and bacteria build up, increasing the risk of developing cavities and gum disease.
For this reason, you can help your kid to maintain good oral hygiene and health with dental sealants. If your kid is at a higher risk of getting cavities, you can speak with your dentist about dental sealants for kids.
What are Dental Sealants?
A sealant is a thin coating applied over the teeth’ chewing surfaces, primarily the molars and premolars. The back teeth have tiny pits and fissures where food particles and other debris can get trapped, leading to cavities and infections.
Sealants work by smoothening the surfaces of the back teeth, making it impossible for food particles to get trapped. Similarly, it makes brushing easier, thereby promoting oral hygiene and health.
If you’re considering dental sealants for kid’s teeth, you can take them to a dentist’s office near you for a consultation. The dentist will review your child’s teeth and determine whether they are eligible for the treatment.
Benefits of Dental Sealants for Kids
If you’re still not convinced how your child can benefit from dental sealants, here are 5 reasons why dental sealants are worthwhile.
- Quick, Pain-free, and Easy Application
Most kids may not like the idea of visiting the dentist’s office. Fortunately, your kid shouldn’t be anxious about the sealant treatment as it is easy, quick, and painless. During the application process, the dentist simply uses a brush to apply the sealant on the biting surfaces of the teeth.
The resin is then dried using a special bonding light. No surgery or tooth shaping is required. It’s crucial that you take your child for the sealant application at the age of 5 and 7 years, once the permanent molars erupt.
- Lasting Protection Against Dental Diseases
If well applied and maintained, dental sealants can protect your kid’s teeth against cavities for can protect for many years. The longevity of the sealant also depends on the type of resin material used.
- Prevents Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
When sealants are applied on the surfaces of the teeth, they limit the number of bacteria or food particles are trapped on the teeth. Similarly, by smoothening the teeth surfaces, your kid can brush effectively. This reduces the risk of developing cavities and gum disease.
- Saves You Money
By promoting your kid’s oral hygiene and health, dental sealant treatment saves you money in the long run. For instance, if your kid has a higher risk of developing cavities and sealants aren’t used, they may develop cavities. The cost of dealing with cavities and associated side effects is much than that of applying sealants.
- Promotes Good Oral Hygiene and Health
Dental sealants help your child to build a strong foundation for oral health at a tender age. With sealants, dental hygiene is easy to practice and maintain, which promotes oral health. In return, good oral health reduces the risk of developing health conditions such as periodontal disease, cavities, stroke, and diabetes, which are closely associated with poor dental hygiene.
Dental Sealants Aftercare Instructions
Caring for dental sealants ensures that they serve your kid better and longer. Similarly, it’s worth noting that dental sealants on their own can’t protect your kid’s teeth from cavities and other dental diseases. Even with sealants, cavities can still develop on other parts of the tooth.
For this reason, proper dental care and hygiene must be practiced. To care for your kid’s sealed teeth and other oral structures, ensure they practice the following;
- Brush at least twice a day
- Floss daily
- Avoid chewing hard foods or cutting objects with the teeth. This can damage the sealants, reducing their efficiency.
- Eat healthier and hydrate well
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks or rinse the mouth after consuming them.
- Schedule regular pediatric visits for professional exams and cleanings
- Regularly inspect the sealants for any damages. Immediately inform the dentist in case of any damage.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Are you considering dental sealants for your kid? Contact Mertz Family Dentistry for pediatric dental sealants services near you.