Tooth decay is the second-most common health concern in the US today, surpassed only by the common cold, and one of the most common health conditions affecting children and teens. Cavities form when the bacteria in plaque and tartar convert sugar to acid. When this acid lingers on teeth, it demineralizes tooth enamel and eventually forms a hole. Although they start small, cavities will eventually cause a considerable amount of discomfort.
To help prevent cavities, most parents teach their children the fundamentals of good oral hygiene, hoping that conscientious brushing, flossing, rinsing, and regular dental care will protect their teeth. But it doesn’t always work out that way; cavities happen anyway. Children between the ages of 6 and 14 are most at risk. That’s why so many dentists recommend dental sealants for their young patients. This safe, painless treatment option has been protecting teeth for more than 40 years.
How Dental Sealants Work
Dental sealants form a protective barrier between tooth enamel and cavity-causing bacteria and acids. Most often, a dentist will recommend sealants for protecting molars. That’s because the back teeth are not perfectly smooth. The natural pits and crevices that make molars ideal for chewing can be difficult for children to keep clean. Dental sealants provide a thin layer of protective material on chewing surfaces, smooth irregularities, and keep bacteria from attacking tooth enamel. Once applied, the risk of developing a cavity on a treated molar is reduced by 80 percent.
How Dental Sealants Are Applied
Although cavities can be repaired with fillings and crowns, a restored tooth will never be as healthy and strong as a tooth that has not been compromised by decay. And unlike cavities and fillings, dental sealants cause no discomfort. If your child’s dentist has recommended dental sealants, knowing how the process is performed may alleviate any concerns. Treatment is quick, easy and completed in just a few simple steps.
- The tooth is cleaned
- A gel is applied to prep the tooth to ensure the sealant adheres
- The tooth is rinsed and dried
- The sealant material (most often plastic) is applied
- A light is used to harden the sealant
Sealants can be clear, white, or slightly tinted depending on the dental material used, so preventative measures are not noticeable while talking or smiling. While sealants are most often used to keep cavities from forming, your dentist may also recommend using a sealant in the early stages of tooth decay to prevent further damage. If a clear sealant is used, your dentist can continue to monitor the status of the tooth to be sure the sealant is doing its job. If necessary, the sealant can be removed so the cavity can be filled.
The Best Time to Apply Dental Sealants
Your child’s dentist may first recommend applying a dental sealant as soon as the first permanent molars emerge, typically around the age of six. The second set of permanent molars will likely be sealed when they erupt a few years later, most often around the age of 12. Although children and teens are considered the ideal candidates for dental sealants, adults can benefit also. Dental sealants can protect teeth for up to 10 years but must be checked periodically for signs of wear, and worn sealants will need to be replaced.
Research shows that children not protected by sealants have nearly three times the number of cavities as children whose parents decide to protect irregular surfaces. Plus, sealants are far more cost-effective than fillings and crowns. If your child’s dentist has not recommended dental sealants, you may want to bring up the subject. Dental sealants may be the perfect complement to brushing, flossing, and regular dental care.
If you’d like to have dental sealants applied to your child’s molars, contact us today! Wake Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry has a team of dental experts who are experienced and dedicated to the well-being of your child’s oral health. Contact Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry today for your appointment by visiting our website or calling us at 919-719-1780.