Sealing out Tooth Decay from Children's Mouths Will Be Easy with Dental Sealants

When it comes to preventing cavities in your mouth brushing and flossing regularly are the best methods despite the difficulties faced when trying to clean every nook and corner of the teeth. Even more, difficulties are faced when trying to clean the molars that are often used to chew food and have a rough and uneven surface. The molars are the favorite place of particles and bacteria to hide and begin causing cavities.

Fortunately, another method is also available to keep even the molars clean. Not only can sealants keep the back teeth clean but stick to the chewing surface as a thin protective coating. They do not replace brushing and flossing but can prevent cavities from forming and even prohibit early stages of decay from blowing up into a cavity.

Sealants have proven themselves as capable of reducing the risk of decay in molars by nearly 80%. This is particularly important when it comes to your children’s dental health. Way back in 2016 the CDC released a report telling people how important sealants were for school-aged children out of which only 43% had access to them between the ages of 6 to 11. The report also mentioned that children without sealants were almost 3 times likelier to have cavities than children with them.

If you have any questions about sealants we are providing some answers for you in this article.

How Do Sealants Function?

When children are taken to the dentist to get dental sealant for kids it is suggested that you think about them as a protective barrier for your child’s teeth. When cavity-causing bacteria meet food particles leftover in the mouth they begin producing acids that can create cavities. After the sealant is applied the food particles are kept out and the bacteria is not allowed to produce the acid and settle on the teeth. It works as a shield that protects you in a storm to keep the teeth clean and dry.

How Are They Applied?

The process for the application is quick and simple and may lead you to believe the dentist near you can complete the procedure with ease. However, it is suggested that you visit the dentist in Huntington Beach, CA, who is also a pediatric dentist and can manage children better. The dentist needs to clean and dry the teeth for the application making sure that the child allows the drying of the teeth. After the teeth have dried out the dentist will apply an acidic gel to the surface of the tooth to rough up the surface of the tooth. A few seconds later the dentist will rinse the child’s mouth and dry the tooth once again before applying the fissure sealant on the tooth. The dentist will also use a blue light to harden the sealant to end the procedure.

How Long Do They Last?

Dental sealants are reputed to last for 7 to 10 years before another application will be required. During regular dental visits, the dentist will evaluate the condition of the sealant and reapply them if needed.

Who Can Get Dental Sealants?

Children and adults can both get dental sealants but the earlier they are applied the better it will be to protect the teeth. Children develop their first molars at around six years of age and the second molars appear at 12. Having them applied with sealants immediately can keep them free from cavities from the beginning and help you to save time and money in the long run. Your dentist will be able to advise whether they are a good option for you and your entire family.

Can They Be Applied over Cavities?

They can be used to cover areas where early signs of decay are visible to prevent further damage to the tooth. The dentist will be able to keep an eye over the tooth because dental sealants are clear and ensure that it is doing the job it is entrusted.

Can Any Side Effects Be Expected?

Unless the child is suffering from any allergies side effects from sealants haven’t been discussed.

Are The Results Guaranteed?

The results from dental sealants are guaranteed if the procedure is completed by a professional pediatric dentist who understands how children should be dealt with. The procedure for the application must be followed stringently by the dentist by making sure the tooth is clean and dry before the application. It is the reason why the dentist in Huntington Beach, CA, is suggested for the application over other dentists that may be located close to you.