Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood diseases. It often leads to discomfort, cavities, and costly treatments. With sugary snacks readily available and the struggle to maintain proper brushing habits, kids can be especially vulnerable to these problems. Fortunately, there is an effective solution.

Dental sealants offer a simple way to prevent cavities before they start. These protective coatings act as a shield and block out harmful bacteria and food particles. Here’s what you need to know about getting dental sealants at the kids’ dentist in Vancouver, Washington, to help keep your child cavity-free.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are a thin plastic layer placed on the molars and premolars. The material settles into the grooves of the teeth to form a protective layer over the enamel. 

The procedure is painless yet effective in preventing cavities. When you schedule an appointment for sealants for kids with a pediatric dentist in Vancouver, Washington, you are taking a proactive step in reducing tooth decay.

Benefits of Sealants for Kids

The benefits of tooth sealants are numerous. They are a cost-effective solution, but there are more reasons why you should consider dental sealants.  

Prevention of Cavities and Tooth Decay

Back teeth have grooves and depressions that can trap bacteria. This characteristic makes cleaning them more challenging, no matter how committed you are to brushing your teeth. 

Placing dental sealants with tooth-colored material can make it more difficult for bacteria to remain on the surface and cause decay. All pits and crevices are filled to make your teeth less vulnerable to plaque and bacteria.

Long-Lasting Protection

Dental sealants can provide long-lasting protection for your child’s teeth. With proper care and maintenance, they can last up to ten years. If your child is committed to practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding eating hard foods, their dental sealants could even exceed this limit. 

Painless and Quick Application

Unlike invasive dental procedures like fillings, getting dental sealants is painless. It’s a quick and straightforward process that usually takes only one or two appointments.

When should kids get sealants?

Dental sealants are typically applied when the permanent premolars and molars erupt. The first permanent molars to emerge are called 6-year molars and arrive between the ages of 5 and 7. The second permanent molars, or 12-year molars, come between 11 and 14 years old.

There are some signs that can tell you it’s time to schedule dental sealants for your child. Those signs might include: 

• Decay in permanent molars
• Staining in the grooves and pits
• Excessive decay in baby teeth
• Narrow grooves on newly erupted molars

Special needs children can also highly benefit from these sealants, especially if they have difficulties with mobility and reaching those back teeth. In most cases, you can set your child up for good oral health by preventing cavities with dental sealants.

The Sealant Application Process

Applying dental sealants is a simple process. Your dentist cleans and prepares the teeth before applying the material. They use a special gel that roughens the tooth’s surface, which helps the material bond with the tooth.

After preparation is completed, the sealant is applied to the teeth. It can flow into the grooves and pits to fill them in. Once the material hardens, it is protected from bacteria collecting in these areas. Some materials require a curing light to harden, while others harden due to a chemical reaction within the material.

Once the dental sealants harden, your child can resume their regular diet and activities. However, practicing good oral hygiene, including routine brushing and flossing, is important. 

Caring for Teeth With Sealants

Just because your child has a protective layer over their tooth doesn’t mean your child can fall behind on dental care. Properly caring for dental sealants is vital. 

You can do this by having your child brush and floss daily to remove food or plaque that may have built up around the sealant. Use a soft-bristled brush and avoid toothpaste with abrasives because they can also damage the sealant. 

Don’t let your child chew on hard or sticky objects. Chewing on ice, pen caps, or other hard objects can damage the material or cause it to come off. 

Importantly, regular visits at a dental office in Vancouver, Washington, allow your child’s dentist to check the sealants at each visit to ensure they remain intact.

Addressing Common Concerns

Many people worry about the safety of dental sealants because they are made from plastic. A common concern is a compound called BPA. This is harmful to humans, but not all sealants have BPA. Those that do have minimal amounts are safe to place in your child’s mouth. 

Sealants also complement other preventive measures, like fluoride, because they work differently. The plastic covering creates a physical barrier, while fluoride strengthens the tooth enamel. This makes it more resistant to decay.

Protect Your Child’s Teeth for a Healthy Smile

Dental sealants are a cost-effective and painless procedure that offers many benefits for your child, including helping to maintain a healthy smile. For more information on how dental sealants protect teeth or to schedule an appointment, turn to the knowledgeable team at Must Love Kids. Contact us to schedule your consultation today.