What To Know About Dental Sealants For Kids
As your child gets older and their teeth start growing in, you're likely wondering what you can do to protect their teeth for years to come. One thing that you can ask your dentist about is dental sealants, which are designed to prevent cavities from forming in the most common areas. Here are a few things you should know about dental sealants.
Dental Sealants Protect Cavity-Prone Areas
A dental sealant is essentially a resin that fits in the deep grooves found in your child's rear molars. These are the parts of the teeth that are most likely to get a cavity due to poor brushing and eating sugary foods. However, dental sealants do not eliminate the risk of getting cavities. It is still possible to get cavities on the front or rear surface of a tooth or in the space between the teeth where they need to floss. Do not assume that getting dental sealants means that they don't need to brush their teeth regularly.
Dental Sealants Can Be Placed In A Single Visit
One thing to know about dental sealants is that getting them is a quick procedure. In fact, it can be done in a single visit to your dentist and does not require any anesthesia. This means that you'll be in and out of the dentist office, and your child will feel minimal discomfort while getting protection that will last them for a long time.
Dental Sealants Can Be Put On Baby Teeth
Your child is never too young to have dental sealants put on their teeth. While you'll have a hard time finding a dental insurance provider that is willing to pay for dental sealants on baby teeth, it still may be a good idea based on your child's teeth. If your child has very deep grooves in the crowns of their baby teeth, and if those teeth already have signs of decay, then sealants will be a great way to prevent more cavities from forming.
Dental Sealants Don't Last Forever
Be aware that dental sealants are not something that you have done once and then forget about forever. Dental sealants do have a lifespan where they eventually start to wear off and need to be reapplied. Ask your dentist about the estimated lifespan of the sealants they are putting on your child's teeth, and plan to come back to have them reapplied for long-lasting protection.