Dental sealants for kids are a preventive treatment recommended by pediatric dentists to protect a child’s teeth from cavities, especially on the back teeth, including molars and premolars. Dental sealants shield the tooth’s surface from decay. When applied to the first and second permanent molars, sealants work effectively to prevent cavities. For children who are at high risk for cavities, dental sealants can be a crucial part of their oral care routine. Parents often wonder, “Does insurance cover sealants?” Many insurance plans do cover this treatment, but it’s essential to check with your provider.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dental sealants are a proven method to prevent tooth decay, especially in children and teenagers. The ADA endorses their use as an essential part of maintaining good oral health. Most dentists recommend sealants as soon as the permanent molars erupt, usually around the age of six for the first set and around twelve for the second set. By sealing off the grooves and crevices in the teeth, a dental sealant prevents food particles and bacteria from getting trapped, which is a common cause of cavities.
Dental sealants can protect teeth for up to 10 years, although their effectiveness may diminish over time due to wear and tear. Regular visits to your pediatric dentist are crucial to monitor the condition of the sealants and to ensure they are still providing adequate protection. Dental sealants are a valuable tool in the fight against tooth decay, especially for children. As a preventive treatment, sealants offer a proactive approach to protecting your child’s teeth from cavities before they even begin to form. Understanding the benefits and limitations of sealants is crucial in making an informed decision about your child’s dental health.
What Is a Dental Sealant?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth have grooves and pits that are prone to trapping food particles and bacteria, making them more susceptible to cavities. Sealants form a protective barrier that prevents these particles from accumulating, thereby reducing the risk of decay.
Main Purpose: To Prevent Tooth Decay
The primary purpose of dental sealants is to protect the teeth from cavities, especially in school-aged children. While brushing and flossing are essential for removing food particles and plaque from the smooth surfaces of teeth, these methods are often not enough to fully protect the tooth enamel, particularly in areas where the teeth have deep grooves. These grooves are most commonly found in the first molars and second molars, which can be challenging to clean thoroughly. As a result, these areas are more susceptible to cavities and other oral health problems.
To address this issue, most pediatric dentists recommend applying dental sealants as an effective form of cavity prevention. Kids dental sealants create a smooth, protective surface over the deep grooves, making it easier to keep teeth clean and reducing the risk of decay. These sealants can last for up to four years, providing long-lasting protection during the critical years when children’s teeth are most vulnerable to cavities.
Risks and Benefits of Dental Sealants
Benefits
- Prevents Cavities: Teeth sealants provide a physical barrier that protects teeth from decay.
- Cost-Effective: Dental sealants work by preventing cavities. This is generally less expensive than treating them with fillings.
- Quick and Painless: Applying sealants is a straightforward, non-invasive procedure that takes only a few minutes.
Risks
- Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some children may have an allergic reaction to the materials used in sealants.
- Wear and Tear: Sealants can wear down over time, requiring reapplication.
- Undetected Decay: In some cases, if a tooth already has minor decay, the sealant might cover it, allowing the decay to progress undetected.
Different Types of Dental Sealants
There are various types of dental sealants available, based on the sealant material. The most common are the following:
Resin-Based Sealants
The most common type, these are durable and effective but may require a more meticulous application process.
Glass Ionomer Sealants
These release fluoride over time, which can help protect the teeth further, though they might be less durable than resin-based sealants.
Temporary Sealants
Sometimes used as a short-term solution, particularly in cases where permanent teeth have not fully erupted.
How are Dental Sealants Applied?
Applying sealants is a quick and painless procedure, though some children with a sensitive gag reflex may find it slightly uncomfortable. Here’s how dental sealants are applied:
Before the dental sealants are applied, the teeth must be thoroughly cleaned. The dentist uses a gritty toothpaste to clean the teeth before placing the new sealants, ensuring the teeth are clean. A polishing brush may also be used to remove any plaque or debris from the tooth’s chewing surfaces.
Once the teeth are clean, an etching solution is applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This mild acidic solution roughens the enamel slightly, creating a better bonding surface for the liquid sealant.
The teeth are rinsed and dried afterwards. It’s important that the teeth remain dry during the next steps.
The liquid sealant is then carefully applied to the prepared teeth. The dentist may place sealants into the deep grooves and pits of the teeth, filling them and creating a smooth surface. This thin coating will harden and bond to the tooth.
To harden the sealant quickly, a special curing light is often used. This light helps the sealant solidify within seconds, ensuring it stays in place.
Once the sealant has hardened, the dental professional will check to make sure it has fully covered the grooves and that there are no sharp edges. If necessary, they will smooth out the surface to ensure a comfortable bite.
After the sealants are placed, your child can resume normal activities, including eating and drinking. It’s essential, however, to avoid chewing on hard objects or using the teeth as tools, as this can chip or wear down the sealants.
During the procedure, it’s important that your child keeps their mouth as still as possible to prevent the sealant from being disrupted by an active tongue or saliva.
Taking Care of Sealants
To ensure the longevity of dental sealants:
- Encourage your child to maintain good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing their teeth daily.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or hard candy that can chip the sealants.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor the condition of the sealants.
FAQ
What is the Difference Between a Sealant and a Filling?
Sealants are preventive, applied to healthy teeth to prevent decay. Fillings are restorative, used to repair teeth that already have cavities. Sealants are usually clear or white, while fillings can be made of sealant material like composite resin or amalgam.
When Should Kids Get Dental Sealants?
Sealants should be applied when the first permanent molars erupt, around age 6, and again when the second set of molars comes in, around age 12. This timing provides the best protection against cavities.
When Are Sealants Not Ideal for Kids?
Sealants aren’t suitable if a child already has significant tooth decay, poor oral hygiene, or if the sealant is being considered for baby teeth instead of the child’s molars.
Are Kids’ Dental Sealants Safe?
Yes, dental sealants are safe for kids. The materials used in sealants have been extensively studied and are considered safe by pediatric dentistry and health organizations. The benefits of preventing cavities far outweigh any potential risks associated with sealants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, by choosing to incorporate dental sealants into your child’s preventive dental care, you are taking an important step in safeguarding their oral health. Sealants for kids are a valuable investment, allowing them to return to school immediately after the procedure, with protected teeth that daily brushing might miss. Pediatric dentistry emphasizes the importance of sealants as part of disease control and overall oral hygiene for children.
While some people are concerned about whether sealing our children’s teeth as a preventative measure is the right thing to do, evidence shows it can be an effective way to prevent cavities. For instance, a 2008 study by the Cochrane Collaboration, an independent nonprofit organization, found that 5- to 10-year-olds with sealants had less than half the decay on their teeth’s biting surfaces five years after treatment than kids who brushed regularly without sealants.
With the expertise of dental professionals like Dr. James Morelli at Santa Ynez Valley Dental, and a commitment to regular dental care, you can help ensure that your child’s teeth remain healthy and strong for years to come. Dental sealants are an elective procedure, as such it’s up to parents to decide whether or not it’s the right choice for their kids. If you have questions or concerns, please come in for an appointment with Dr. Morelli and he can help you make an informed decision.