Parents are usually excited when their child gets their first tooth. However, they’re far less excited when their child gets their first cavity.
What if there were a way to prevent those cavities? Good news — there is! They’re called dental sealants.
Woodhill Dental Specialties uses dental sealant treatments to help prevent cavities in your child’s back teeth, which are especially vulnerable. When should your child get dental sealants, and why?
Sealant dental treatments are special coatings painted over the molars and premolars to help prevent cavities. It is offered in dental offices and sometimes even schools.
A dental sealant is made up of a special compound, usually of resin or glass powder compound, that is brushed on the chewing surface of the back molars. Why the molars? They are often the most vulnerable teeth for tooth decay because plaque or food can get stuck more easily in the nooks and crannies of the molar tooth surface.
Dental sealants are applied by brushing the compound onto the cleaned surface of the molar. The compound dries very quickly and seals the tooth, preventing plaque or bacteria from building up in the rough areas of the tooth.
Applying dental sealants is painless and those that get it can return to their normal activities right after their treatment has dried.
It’s common for children to get dental sealants on their molars, usually on the permanent molars, though sealants can be applied to baby teeth.
Do your children need dental sealants on baby teeth, especially since they will fall out in a few years anyway? If your child does not brush their teeth well or is prone to tooth decay, it’s a good idea to get the treatment on their baby molars.
Tooth decay matters, even in baby teeth. Untreated tooth decay can lead to premature tooth loss, which can cause tooth crowding later as other teeth move into the hole left by the lost tooth.
Tooth decay can also cause other issues. If a tooth becomes infected, that infection can spread to the bone or even the bloodstream, which can be life-threatening. It’s important to treat tooth decay immediately and prevent it if possible. Dental sealants are one way to help prevent cavities in molars.
A child gets their first permanent molar between 5-7 years old, and they get their second permanent molar around 11-13 years of age. This is why they’re called “6-year-old teeth” and “12-year-old teeth,” respectively. They will have two sets of molars until they’re between 17-20 years of age, during which their third set of molars come in, commonly called the wisdom teeth.
Dental sealants for school aged children should be applied to the first two sets of molars erupt around age 12. However, if your child is prone to tooth decay, it’s OK to apply it to the first permanent molars and second baby molars around age 6. The second set of molars can receive a treatment later.
Yes, you can get dental sealants with braces. However, it’s better to get the treatment before braces or while braces are off.
Dental sealants are a great option with braces because they protect your child’s teeth from cavities, which can slow down braces treatment. Filling cavities may require the removal of part of your braces. It’s better to be protected from cavities!
Dental sealants can last up to 10 years! The better your oral health, the longer the they will last. Crunchy, sticky, or hard foods can chip off parts of your sealant, which can reduce its effectiveness.
Your dentist or orthodontist will check your sealant to ensure it is still intact and working properly during your regular dental visits. It’s another reason why it’s important to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a thorough examination and cleaning.
What happens if your dental sealant chips off or is damaged? Your dentist can repair the problem by applying more sealant to the damaged areas. It will be a quick fix that your dentist can usually take care of in one visit.
Many dental insurance plans will cover dental sealants, but it may only be for certain teeth — specifically the molars. You can get the treatment on any of the teeth, but it’s most often used on the molars.
At Woodhill Dental Specialties, we will work with you to help you determine whether your insurance will cover the treatment and if there are specific teeth that are covered. We can also offer other financial options for treatment.
Protecting young smiles is easier with preventive treatments like dental sealants for kids, which provide an added layer of defense against cavities. Brushing and flossing are vitally important, but sometimes even they aren’t enough to prevent cavities in children. Dental sealants can help prevent cavities in the molars, which are often the most vulnerable for children. Is your child ready for dental sealant treatment in Dallas, TX, or Rockwall, TX? Schedule an appointment with Woodhill Dental Specialties. We want to help your child have a healthy smile for a lifetime!
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