What Are Dental Sealants for Kids & Why Do They Matter?
Teeth sealants are a leading pediatric dental procedure used globally to prevent cavities in children. Cavities are a pressing concern for children’s dental care worldwide, as they can lead to tooth decay if not prevented or treated promptly. As per pediatric dental experts, teeth sealants are the ultimate winner when it comes to preventing cavities in children.
They are a protective coating that is applied on top of the teeth to prevent cavity-causing bacteria from thriving, thus preventing tooth decay. Mostly, dental sealants for kids are applied on molars and premolars and are not preferred for the front teeth. This is because they aim at filling the small holes present in the back teeth and help ensure a cavity-free smile.
How Dental Sealants Help in Children's Dental Care
According to dentists, dental sealants for kids are a great choice to ensure good pediatric dental health. They can be great as they are noninvasive, which means they are painless and cause little to no discomfort. Pain is a major concern when it comes to pediatric dental care since children are hesitant to opt for painful procedures. Teeth sealants cause no pain, which is why they are great for kids.
Moreover, dental sealants for kids are cost-effective and can last many years. This means there is no need to get an upgrade every few months. The cost is also minimal compared to other high-end dental procedures. Hence, dental sealants for kids are a suitable choice for smart parents who are on a budget but still want a long-lasting solution to cavities.
When Is the Right Time to Get Sealants for Your Child?
Teeth sealants are a very common procedure and can be acquired at any age. However, dental sealants for kids are generally recommended by dentists at an age when children are most prone to cavities. This means the right age to get dental sealants for kids is any time between 6 to 14 years. During this period, children’s teeth are in a transmission phase, and children are prone to consuming excessive sugary foods and beverages, thus resulting in cavities. Smart parents know it is better to prevent an issue rather than search for a cure later on.
Dental Sealants vs Fillings: Prevention is Better Than Cure
Dental sealants and dental fillings are both very common dental procedures when it comes to ensuring a cavity-free smile. However, both are very different and have a distinct approach. While dental sealants are great for cavity prevention in kids, dental fillings aim to treat them. This means dental fillings are only recommended when the tooth is decayed and damaged due to cavity-causing bacteria. This makes dental sealants the best choice, as teeth sealants help prevent cavities even before the decay or damage starts.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During a Dental Sealant Procedure?
The process of dental sealants is very simple and straightforward. As mentioned earlier, it is noninvasive and painless in nature. A pediatric dentist would typically start the process by examining your child’s teeth and doing a thorough cleaning. After this, they would dry the area and apply an acidic solution to roughen the tooth enamel.
The acidic solution is rinsed afterwards, and the teeth are dried again, followed by an application of the sealant material. Once the sealant material is applied, a special kind of light is used to harden it and properly place it on the chewing surface of teeth, and that’s about it. Once the procedure is done, the dentist will guide you about future care and how to prolong the life of dental sealants for kids.
How Long Do Sealants Last & How to Care for Them?
Teeth sealants are a long-lasting solution. They can last up to 5 years. However, the longevity of the procedure is based on different factors, the major one being the maintenance of proper oral hygiene.
Finding the Right Pediatric Dentist Near Me
If you are looking for a pediatric dentist, it is better that you opt for nearby options to guarantee convenience and ease. To do so, you simply need to search ‘pediatric dentist near me’ and the internet will provide you with a list of options. Make sure you opt for a skilled pediatric dental care provider, such as LiT Dental, to achieve promising results.
CONCLUSION
Dental sealants are a leading pediatric dental procedure used globally to prevent cavities in children. They are cost-effective and can last up to 5 years if properly cared for. The process is also simple, noninvasive, and painless, which is why they are great for kids. If you want the best pediatric dental services for your kids, relying on LiT Dental can be a good choice.