By: Joseph Brier, DMD, FAGD, Dental Care of Lucas
As parents, we all want to protect our children’s smiles and help them avoid cavities whenever possible. You may have heard your dentist recommend sealants for your child’s permanent molars and wondered if they’re really necessary, especially if your child already brushes well.
Sealants are a thin, protective coating that’s applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. These teeth can have deep grooves and pits that are great at catching bits of food and bacteria but can be very hard to keep clean, even with careful brushing. The sealant acts like a raincoat for the tooth, keeping out plaque, acids, and decay before a cavity can form.
The process of applying a sealant is quick, painless, and doesn’t require any drilling or numbing. After the tooth is cleaned and dried, the liquid sealant is painted on and hardened with a special light. Once sealed, the tooth is protected right away.
Studies show that sealants can prevent up to 80% of cavities in the back teeth, where most decay in children occurs. Even children with good brushing habits can benefit because toothbrush bristles simply can’t reach into the tiny grooves of molars very well and there are great benefits and low risks with placing sealants.
Sealants typically last several years before they need to be replaced. During your child’s regular dental visits, your dentist will make sure the sealants are still intact and continuing to protect the teeth. Avoiding stickier foods and good oral hygiene routines help prolong the life of a sealant.
While sealants are especially important for children who are prone to cavities or have newly erupted molars, they’re a good idea for most kids. The investment is small compared to the cost, time, and discomfort of treating cavities later on. And helpfully, many insurance plans cover sealants well, so there is little to no out of pocket cost for many families.
I believe in prevention first. Sealants are one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your child’s teeth and keep their smile healthy for years to come. If you have questions about whether sealants are right for you or your child, we’d be happy to take a look and give you a personalized recommendation.
