Dental Sealants: A Preventive Measure for Your Child’s Teeth

A healthy dentition that lasts well throughout their lifetime is what every parent is looking forward to regarding the dental health of their child. One of the most effective methods, however, of prevention is by applying dental sealants. This is one pretty simple process, yet it is very vital in salvaging your child’s teeth from tooth decay and other dental problems; thus, important for any parent who truly cares about his or her child’s oral health. Understanding the purpose of dental sealants, and how to find a dependable Mt. Vernon dentists like Aurora Smiles NY, make all the difference in the dental health journey for children. To that effect, this is a critical explanation of what dental sealants are, their pros, how they are applied, and how to find the best dental treatment in Mt. Vernon, NY.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth—molars and premolars. They are more prone to dental caries because of their complex surface structure with deep grooves and fissures. The food particles, along with bacteria, get collected in the grooves, which might not be adequately cleaned by a simple toothbrush. Sealants act as a barrier to fill up these grooves, forming a smooth surface that is less prone to decay.

The sealant is mostly a semisolid resin-based plastic material which, upon application, sticks directly to the enamel on one’s tooth. After sealant application, they tend to harden and act like a shield which protects teeth from cavities. Preventive therapy can, therefore, help both children and teenagers since the sealing material generally protects teeth during the development stage when they are more sensitive.

Application of dental sealants is easy and non-invasive. Here’s how dental sealants are applied step by step:

1. Cleaning of the Tooth: This is the very first thing a dentist does. He cleans the tooth with the help of an air abrasion tool to remove plaque and any accumulation of food particles on it. This step is taken to ensure that the sealant adheres correctly on the surface of the tooth.
2. Preparing the Tooth: Next, a special solution is applied to the surface of the tooth. This solution roughens the surface a little so that the sealant adheres well to the tooth.
3. Application of the Sealant: The dentist then paints the liquid sealant onto the chewing surface of the tooth. The liquid flows into the grooves and fissures completely filling them.
4. Curing the Sealant: The sealant is cured following application, using a special light. It deactivates the sealant material and reinforces it enough that it can protect the underlying tooth structure.
5. Final Check: In the final step, the dentist checks the placement of the sealant for correctness and makes adjustments. Adjustments include smoothing uneven areas.

The procedure is usually very quick and pain-free, so this is a fantastic option for children who might be anxious or afraid of being treated dentally. Application usually takes a few minutes per tooth and can last many years.

Why Are Dental Sealants Important?

Dental sealants play an essential role in dental preventive care for several reasons:

• Effective in Cavity Prevention: Sealers are highly effective in preventing cavities. Several studies demonstrate proof that sealers can decrease the chances of getting cavities an impressive 80% in the places they are placed. This is important, mainly for children, due to their high risk from dental caries because of food habits and sometimes inconsequential brushing.
• Cost-effective: Since dental sealants prevent the need for more substantial and costly dental treatments in the future, this is an effective investment. In other words, by avoiding the cavities, you would have saved the costs for fillings, crowns, and other restorative procedures.
• Non-invasive Procedure: Dental sealants are applied non-invasively; no drilling and no use of anesthesia are needed. This makes the procedure less intimidating to children and may help them relate to dental visits in a positive light.
• Lasting Protection: Sealants can last for many years with proper care. During routine dental examinations, your dentist will continue to observe the status of the sealants and reapply when necessary. This makes for long-lasting protection of your child’s teeth.
• Easy and Quick: Application is a quick and painless procedure that does not involve any drilling or removal of tooth structure and most often only requires one visit. Its simplicity makes it easy and practical to be part of regular dental treatment for children.

When Should Your Child Get Dental Sealants?

Children need to be given dental sealants as soon as their permanent molars and premolars erupt. In most children, this happens around ages 6 and 12 years. These teeth have a very high tendency for tooth decay owing to their position and shape. However, if your child has a baby tooth having very deep grooves, sealing might also be performed on the same.

You must be in touch with your child’s dentist to decide on the timely application of sealants. The dentist will evaluate the growth of your child’s teeth and perform accordingly to his/her needs.

The Application Process: What to Expect

Parents are often left with questions regarding what they will experience while the sealant is being applied. Here is the detail of what generally takes place during a dental sealant appointment:

• Initial Exam: The dentist will examine the teeth of your child in order to determine what teeth he or she may apply sealants on. This examination could require X-rays for an evaluation of the current status of the teeth and look for possible future problems.
• Cleaning and Preparation: The teeth surfaces are cleaned to remove all the plaque or food particles. The dentist then applies a preparation solution that will assist in bonding the sealant to the tooth.
• Application of Sealant: The dentist will carefully paint the liquid sealant into the grooves and fissures of the teeth. The liquid flows into all crevices for adequate coverage.
• Setting the Sealant: A special light is used by the dentist to cure the sealant. This particular type of light can activate the sealant so that it sets in its place and provides a strong layer of protection.
• Finishing Touch: After sealing and hardening of the same, the dentist will review sealant placement and do some finishing touch of it. He or she will confirm that the sealant does not interfere with your child’s bite.

Maintaining Your Child’s Oral Health Tips

Since dental sealants aren’t 100% assurance, good oral hygiene habits should be practiced consistently to maintain your child’s teeth in general. Here are some tips you can follow for maintaining your child’s teeth healthy:

• Regular Brushing and Flossing: Regularly encourage your child to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste, up to two times a day, and to floss daily. This helps remove plaque and food particles that could eventually lead to cavities.
• Healthy Diet: A diet low in added sugar and rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products will strengthen the teeth and promote good general health. Limit foods and drinks containing sugar as these tend to increase the chances of cavities.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Consider regular dental check-ups and cleaning from a child dentist in Mt Vernon, NY. By visiting the dentist regularly, he would follow your child’s oral health and use fluoride treatments, besides judging the effectiveness of dental sealants.
• Bad Habits to Avoid: Stop habits like thumb sucking or biting nails since it may affect the health and alignment of dental setup. Build good habits that help maintain good oral health.
• Teaching and Encouragement: Let the child know the importance of oral hygiene and how vital it is for them to take initiative in dental hygiene. Thus, by facilitation of good habits and setting a good example through positive reinforcement, lifelong healthy habits can be achieved with much ease.

Conclusion

Be proactive in staying one step ahead of cavities and your child’s oral health by learning more with professionals such as Dr. Amul Patel at Aurora Smiles NY, about the many benefits that dental sealants have to offer. This article will help you protect your child’s teeth from decay so that they can smile confidently and enjoy life fully. Scheduling an appointment with Aurora Smiles NY to discuss dental sealants and any other preventive treatments will ensure that your child’s teeth stay in great shape for years to come.