Tooth Decay Protection: How Children May Benefit From Dental Sealants

Children are at high risk of tooth decay. At a young age, they lack the knowledge on how to take care of their teeth and gums. As parents, it is our responsibility to make sure that their oral health is a priority. When it comes to tooth decay, prevention is better than cure. Hence, you will need a proactive approach. One of the things you may not be aware of is how your children may benefit from dental sealants. Read on to find out what dental sealants are and how they can be beneficial for the little ones.

What Is a Dental Sealant?

Introducing your child to the dentist at a young age is one of the best ways to overcome dental anxiety. Aside from regular check-ups, children can also undergo several treatments, and one of the best is a dental sealant.

As the name implies, it seals the tooth. It works as a barrier to protect cavity-prone areas. It is most commonly applied on the chewing surfaces of the teeth, which are often the most vulnerable to dental caries. The dentist will paint the sealant into the tooth enamel. It is a plastic resin that will bond directly to the tooth. It can last several years before it requires re-application.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Sealants?

Unsure if dental sealants are must-haves for the oral health of children? You might be convinced after learning about its many benefits, including those we’ll talk about below.

1.      Prevents a Wide Array of Dental Problems

This is one thing that could perfectly sum up the benefits of dental sealants. Among others, one thing that it can prevent is dental fluorosis. It happens when too much fluoride is consumed in childhood. It can affect the appearance of the teeth, resulting in visible pits and surface irregularities. Of course, prevention is always better than cure, so it is important to ensure you purchase appropriate toothpaste for your children, ensure they only use a tiny amount, and that they do not swallow the toothpaste to avoid fluorosis. But if it does occur, sealants can help address its consequences.

More so, dental sealants can also help prevent gum diseases in children. It protects the vulnerable area of teeth, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria. This will prevent decay from penetrating deep, so it will not reach the gumline.

Dental sealants are also effective in the prevention of cavities. In one study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the authors concluded that sealants prevent caries not just in children but even in adolescents.

2.      It Is Quick and Painless

Dental anxiety is common in children. Many of them fear the dentist because of the pain associated with the treatment. Even a simple check-up can scare them. With this, one of the benefits of dental sealants is that the process is quick and painless. Children won’t have to suffer. Because of this, there is also a higher chance that they won’t be afraid of future dental visits.

The procedure starts by cleaning teeth. It is then prepared for sealant application. A dentist will use a mild solution with a strength comparable to vinegar or lemon juice. It makes the tooth surface rougher. In turn, it improves the adhesion of the sealant. After this, the acrylic sealant is applied. This will fill the grooves and depressions in the teeth. It takes only one to two minutes before the sealant hardens.

3.      Long-Lasting

Another good thing about dental sealants is that they are durable. The longevity, however, depends on certain factors. For instance, this can vary depending on the quality of the work. More so, routine care will also impact its lifespan. On average, however, it will last up to ten years before it requires re-application.

Proper cleaning is the best way to ensure the longevity of sealants. From brushing to flossing, make sure to teach children the right oral hygiene. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Meanwhile, for the toothpaste, it will be good to choose one that contains remineralising agents. They should also avoid chewing anything hard, such as ice and candies.

4.      Feels and Looks Seamless

The thought of putting a sealant on teeth may scare some people, thinking that it will feel and look different. However, that is not the case. During the first few days, children may feel that it is a bit different to the point that it seems rough. Over time, however, they will get used to it. The sealant is a transparent and thin plastic coating, so it will be almost unnoticeable.

Nonetheless, take note that the look and feel of the sealant will depend on its quality. So, make sure to choose a reputable dentist for assurance that the outcome is top-notch.

5.      You Can Save Money

On average, the cost of a dental sealant can range from £15 to £60per tooth. It can go higher depending on the qualifications of the dentist. It is affordable, and the best thing is that you can save money in the long run. As mentioned, it can last up to 10 years with proper care, making it a great investment for the oral health of your children.

Fissure sealant on the NHS is free for children, but it is important to ensure you are getting the best possible service for your child.

Without a sealant, the teeth of kids will be prone to many problems, including enamel erosion. By having sealants, you can prevent expensive dental treatments in the future, including dental restorations.

A Minor Concern

Despite the many benefits of dental sealants, some people are concerned because of the fear of one thing—BPA. The dental resin formula has a small amount of BPA, so many parents are scared that it can be toxic to children. However, while sealants indeed contain BPA, the amount is too little to pose significant harm. In fact, you can get exposure to more BPA when breathing air than in dental sealants, so there is nothing to worry about.

In Closing

Dental sealants are beneficial in more ways than one. The process is comparatively affordable and can deliver a plethora of advantages, making it a great way to promote oral health in the little ones. The thin plastic coating will protect teeth from problems like tooth decay and gum diseases. When done by a qualified, highly experienced dentist, it will look and feel seamless. Best of all, it will last a long time, especially if you pay attention to proper oral care.