Posted August 06, 2021 in Pediatric Dentistry, Sealants
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No matter your age, needing dental work is likely not your favorite thing. Unfortunately, for most, the need for dental correction is a standard part of life.
Cavities and tooth decay can occur at any age, and many people wonder if there is any way to prevent them from happening. The good news is there is.
Not only can you help prevent tooth decay with proper oral hygiene, but you can also help protect your children’s teeth with dental sealants.
You might think that your child practices excellent dental hygiene, but cleaning the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth can be a massive challenge.
If you have a child with deep pits and grooves on their back teeth, your dentist might recommend that the best course of action is to seal their teeth.
There is a high possibility of food and germs getting stuck in the grooves since toothbrushes and bristles cannot reach those spaces. It can lead to tooth decay and cavities when nothing is done about it.
Sealants are thin protective coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the molars and front teeth to prevent chances of tooth decay.
What Is the Right Age for the Application of Dental Sealants?
The good thing with sealants is that they can be applied to the molars and premolars early. The trick is to apply the sealants before teeth have had a chance to develop problems.
Dental sealants are used on permanent teeth and can be applied as soon as the permanent teeth come in. Usually, most children receive sealants between the ages of six and 14.
They are quick, painless, easy to apply, and excellent at protecting your child’s teeth at the earlier stages in their life.
Do Dental Sealants Provide Sufficient Protection to the Enamel?
One of the reasons most dentists recommend dental sealants for children is that they always protect the tooth enamel. They provide a protective cover that keeps plaque and food from building up in hard-to-reach places, such as the back molars.
These sealants are excellent in preventing cavities, root canals, and the need for crowns.
Are Dental Sealants Durable?
If your concern is how long dental sealants last, we have got good news for you. They can protect for up to ten years, making them a pretty convenient option for children who want to protect their teeth. What’s more, your dentist will keep checking the condition of the sealants during the annual visits so that if they are worn out or chipped, they can assess them.
Interested in Learning More About Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants for children are beneficial and a step in the right direction in protecting your little one’s oral health. If you are interested in dental sealants, contact us at 575-524-3722 today to learn more.