Why Your Child Needs Dental Sealants: Protecting Against Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is one of children’s most common dental issues, but you can proactively protect your child’s smile with dental sealants.

This simple, painless treatment can make a difference in preventing cavities.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are plastic-like coatings painted on the grooves and pits of the premolars and molars.

These teeth are particularly vulnerable to decay due to grooves and pits, which can easily trap food particles and bacteria.

Brushing alone may not be enough to thoroughly clean these areas, especially for younger children who may not yet have perfected their brushing technique.

Sealants act as a barrier, covering the grooves and preventing decay-causing bacteria from settling in. The procedure is quick and straightforward, and once applied, the sealants provide long-lasting protection.

Tooth Decay in Children

Understanding why your child’s teeth are so susceptible to decay helps you appreciate the importance of dental sealants. Children’s teeth have deeper grooves and are softer than adult teeth.

In the same way, regularly having snacks high in sugar promotes cavity formation in the mouth due to frequent consumption. However, even with proper brushing and flossing, food remains and plaque may accumulate in the hardest-to-reach areas and, over time, cause cavities.

When bacteria feed on sugars left on the teeth, they produce acids that break down tooth enamel, leading to cavities. This can happen quickly for children, and untreated decay may result in more severe issues such as infection or tooth loss.

Why Choose Dental Sealants for Your Child?

You may wonder why dental sealants are necessary if your child already brushes twice daily and visits the dentist regularly.

Here are some reasons why this extra layer of protection is worth considering:

1. Preventing Cavities Early On

Children are at higher risk for cavities because their oral hygiene habits are still developing. Even when they brush and floss, the deep grooves in their molars can trap bacteria.

Dental sealants cover these vulnerable areas, acting as a shield to stop food particles and bacteria from causing decay. Sealants can often reduce the risk of cavities by up to 80%.

2. Minimising the Need for Future Dental Treatments

Cavities can lead to more invasive dental treatments such as fillings, crowns, or extractions. These treatments are more expensive and uncomfortable for your child.

By opting for dental sealants, you’re investing in prevention.

Such an approach can help both you and your kid avoid the necessity of more complex and painful interventions in the future.

3. Long-Lasting Protection

Dental sealants are incredibly durable. Once applied, they can last for years, providing ongoing protection against cavities.

While they must be checked during routine dental visits and may eventually require reapplication, the initial investment provides long-term benefits with little maintenance.

4. Painless and Quick Application

As a parent, you want to ensure your child has a positive experience at the dentist. Dental sealants offer a completely painless solution.

The quick procedure does not involve drilling or anaesthesia, making it ideal for children anxious about dental treatments.

Your child can sit back and relax while their dentist applies the sealants within minutes.

5. Cost-Effective

Dental sealants to avoid cavities will be useful and cost-efficient. Treating cavities and decay involves multiple visits and complex procedures, which can be costly.

Sealants are a relatively affordable option, especially when you consider the potential savings from avoiding future dental work.

When Should Your Child Get Dental Sealants?

The best time to consider dental sealants for your child is when permanent molars come in, usually around 6 to 12. These teeth will last your child a lifetime, and protecting them from early decay is essential.

Applying sealants when the teeth are most vulnerable ensures that your child’s permanent molars are safeguarded during the critical childhood years.

However, sealants are not just for young children. Even older kids and teens can benefit from the extra protection, especially if they have deep grooves or a history of cavities in their molars.

If your child has yet to receive sealants, it’s never too late to discuss this option with their dentist.

How to Maintain Sealants

Once your child has dental sealants, maintenance is simple. Continue with regular brushing and flossing habits, and ensure your child attends routine dental check-ups.

During these visits, Campbelltown dentist inspects the sealants to ensure they’re still intact and effective. If the sealants are worn down or damaged, the dentist can reapply them.

Sealants are very effective and help keep cavities at bay, but they are not a replacement for regular brushing, flossing, and a proper diet that does not include lots of sweets.

This will help keep their smile healthy and robust, complementing the sealants’ protection.

Dental Sealants in Campbelltown

Protect your child’s smile from tooth decay!

At Marketfair Dental Care, we understand how important your child’s oral health is to you. One of the general services that we provide to our young patients is dental sealants.

Bulk Bill for children who are qualified for MEDICARE CHILD DENTAL BENEFITS SCHEDULE

Schedule an online appointment today to discuss whether dental sealants are the right choice for your child.

Call (02) 4620 0800 or visit us at Marketfair Campbelltown Shop 21B, 4 Tindall St in Campbelltown.