We all know that traditional brushing and flossing are the best ways to help prevent dental cavities! Parents understand that it is not always easy to help their children clean every nook and cranny between their teeth. This is especially true for those molars in the back that help with chewing. Molars are easy to identify with their rough, uneven surfaces which often collect leftover food and cavity-causing bacteria.
While these go-to methods are the best way to prevent cavities, they are not the only method pediatric dentists use to help keep their patients’ teeth clean. In fact, dental sealants are utilized regularly by pediatric dentists such as Dr. Casey to protect their patients' teeth from cavities. There is no substitute for a daily brushing and flossing routine, however, sealants can keep cavities from forming and may even stop early stages of decay from becoming full-blown cavities if treated in a timely manner.
What Are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating that adheres to the chewing surface of your child’s teeth. Once this shield is painted on by Dr. Casey, it blocks out germs and food debris for years to come. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), once dental sealants are applied they protect a patient’s teeth against 80% of cavities for 2 years and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to 4 years.
A cavity is a permanent hole in a tooth caused by tooth decay. If it remains untreated, it can increase in size, as well as become painful and infected. The most common place for cavities to form is in the grooves of a patient’s molars. This is also the hardest spot to consistently keep clean, even with regular brushing and flossing.
Both children and adults can benefit from the protection that sealants offer. Studies show that the earlier a patient gets them, the better their overall oral health tends to be. For most of our pediatric patients, their first molars appear around age 6 and their second molars break through around the age of 12. Sealing these teeth soon after they emerge can keep them cavity-free from the beginning.
For most families, this approach will save time and money in the long run. At Medical Center Children’s Dentistry, we respect that each patient and family have unique needs that must be met. If you or your child have any questions or concerns pertaining to dental sealants or any other dental procedures, please do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Casey or a member of our staff.
Is Sealing a Tooth Better Than Fixing a Cavity?
Dental sealants are a very quick, easy, and pain-free way to effectively prevent cavities. A tooth that does not have a cavity is stronger and healthier than a tooth with untreated decay or even a dental filling. Dental sealants are also more affordable and easier for a dentist to apply than fillings are. This makes a big difference with young patients who already struggle with the patience needed for a dental appointment.
Remember, sealants have been shown to reduce a dental patient’s risk of tooth decay by nearly 80% in molars. This is a huge benefit that parents should be taking more advantage of. According to reports by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), despite the important role that sealants play in the oral health of school-aged children, only 43% of children ages 6-11 years old have them. The same studies by the CDC stated that "school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants."
Sealants can even be used over areas that show signs of early decay to prevent further damage to a child’s tooth. As mentioned earlier, some sealant materials are clear. This allows your child’s dentist to keep an active eye on the tooth and its condition to make sure the sealant is effectively working.
Should I Ask the Dentist to Put Sealants on My Child’s Teeth?
At Medical Center Children’s Dentistry, we believe in utilizing the tools that benefit our patients, their families, and their oral health. It is no secret that dental cavities are one of the most common chronic conditions among children and teens. If left untreated, dental cavities can cause pain, infection, and many other medical issues including ones related to the Oral Systemic Connection. They can even cause patients difficulty with eating, speaking, and learning.
We encourage our patients’ parents and guardians to consider dental sealants for their children. Sealants are an extraordinarily effective yet underutilized method that protects children’s teeth from cavities for years to come.
An easy way to understand how they work is to think of them as “raincoats” for your child's teeth. The combination of cavity-causing bacteria that live in our mouths and leftover food debris produce acids that can create cavities in teeth. After Dr. Casey applies the sealant, it actively keeps those bits of food away, while stoping bacteria and acid from settling on the surfaces of their teeth — just as a raincoat keeps you clean and dry during a central Texas storm.
What Is The Process For Sealants?
Getting a sealant is a very simple and completely pain-free process. This procedure typically only takes a few minutes to prep and a couple of moments per tooth to complete. Due to the affordable price and how easy it is to complete, most parents of our pediatric patients choose to protect their children’s teeth with dental sealants. Here is the typical process used to protect our patients’ teeth…
- Any teeth that are being prepped will be cleaned and a specialized acidic gel will be placed on the chewing surface of each tooth for a few seconds. This gel is used to roughen up the tooth surface, increasing the strength of the bond that will form between your child's tooth and the sealant.
- The teeth are then rinsed and dried thoroughly.
- Next, the sealant material is painted onto the tooth, with an emphasis on the grooves.
- The dentist or dental hygienist will then use a special blue light on the tooth to harden the sealant in order to form a protective shield.
The process is quick and has no major risks associated with it. With the exception of an allergy that may exist, there are no known side effects from dental sealants. This is why dental sealants are one of the most widely used measures to prevent dental cavities and tooth decay among patients of all ages.
One concern that we hear from parents is the presence of BPA in dental sealants. While there is a tiny amount of BPA in dental sealants, there is not enough to cause you or your child any harm. In fact, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), you get more exposure to BPA by simply touching a retail receipt, using mainstream cosmetics, or coming in contact with household dust.
Are The Sealants Noticeable?
Even though dental sealants fill the pits and grooves of our teeth, they are incredibly thin. Usually, they are undetectable once a dentist or dental hygienist has set them. However, sometimes children can feel the sealant with their tongues for a short while after the sealant is placed. Sealants can be clear, white, or even slightly tinted. Yet, even the tinted sealants cannot be seen when a child talks or smiles. Really only a dentist is usually able to identify them during an exam, as they are meant to blend in.
How Long Do Sealants Last?
While they are known to protect patients' teeth for years, sealants have been shown to still work even up to 9 years after placement. However, sometimes they do fall off. This is why Dr. Casey is sure to check their status at each of their dental appointments. If by chance one of your children's teeth loses a sealant, their chances of getting a cavity will increase until it has been replaced. In fact, over time most sealants will wear off. It is very easy to replace a sealant that has fallen out or finally worn off. Sealants will often last for several years before they need to be reapplied. During your child’s regular dental visits, Dr. Casey will check the condition of each sealant, this will allow her to reapply them as needed.
We aimed to ensure that preventative dental options, such as dental sealants are available for our patients who would benefit from them. If you are interested in learning more about dental sealants, how you can get your child scheduled to get theirs, or if your family’s dental plan covers sealants, please feel free to reach out to us at Medical Center Children’s Dentistry.
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