How Dental Sealants Are Important for Preventive Dentistry

Protecting your child's teeth from cavities is crucial, and dental sealants can play a significant role in preventive dentistry. These sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of your child's molars and premolars, providing an extra layer of protection against cavities that often occur in the pits and fissures of teeth. By opting for dental sealants, you can lower your child’s risk of tooth decay and avoid unnecessary expenses on future dental restoration.

Dental sealants and preventive dentistry

Preventive dentistry focuses on reducing or preventing oral health issues, emphasizing the importance of dental sealants. While developing and maintaining good oral hygiene at home is important, some children are more prone to dental problems like tooth decay and cavities. This is where professional preventative dental treatments come into play, helping to support their efforts.

Preventive dental care aims to prevent issues rather than wait for them to arise and need more extensive treatment. Taking a proactive approach to potential problems can significantly reduce a child's risk of gum disease, enamel erosion, and tooth decay. The human mouth is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, causing oral health to be closely linked to overall health. By avoiding dental issues, parents can contribute to the overall well-being of their child's health.

Regular check-ups and professional cleanings are essential components of preventive dental care. It is recommended that parents take their children to the dentist every four to six months or at least twice a year. During these visits, the dentist examines the young patient’s teeth for signs of dental decay, enamel erosion, and cavities that may arise from these conditions. These indicators may or may not be noticeable to the parent and can include weak spots on the enamel, discoloration, and the buildup of plaque and tartar.

Professional teeth cleaning is typically performed during dental check-ups to remove bacterial plaque and tartar. If the dentist identifies that a child is at higher risk for cavities, they may recommend the application of dental sealants to provide added protection. Sealants act as a barrier, preventing food debris and plaque from accumulating in the susceptible areas of the teeth. In addition, they make it easier and more effective for kids to clean their teeth.

How dental sealants work

While brushing and flossing are essential for removing plaque from the surfaces of a child’s teeth, it may not be sufficient to clean the deep grooves and depressions thoroughly. Tooth decay occurs when bacterial plaque accumulates on the teeth and produces acids that erode the tooth's enamel coating. Dental sealants are designed to create a protective barrier in these vulnerable areas on chewing surfaces, shielding against the harmful actions of plaque and acids.

Dental sealants are most effective when applied soon after a permanent tooth has erupted. The first adult molars typically erupt around the age of six, while the second permanent molars emerge around the age of twelve. Dental sealants can also be a suitable option for premolars (bicuspids). However, it is important to note that not every child needs dental sealants, and the dentist will assess each child's specific needs.

The application of dental sealants is a quick and painless process that does not require anesthesia. It only takes a few minutes per tooth. The dentist cleans the teeth and conditions the chewing surfaces using a solution that helps the sealant bond to the enamel. In some cases, the dentist will use a curing light to expedite the bonding process. Sealants can last up to five years and are affordable to replace. During each check-up, the dentist will inspect them to ensure they are functioning properly.