Protect Young Teeth with Dental Sealants
Tooth decay is increasingly common in preschool-aged children. Beyond being unpleasant and painful, it can lead to more serious issues like premature tooth loss and childhood gum disease.
Dental sealants are a valuable tool in preventing childhood caries (cavities) and tooth decay. Especially when combined with other preventative measures, such as twice-yearly checkups and a consistent daily home care routine, sealants can strengthen the mouth’s natural defenses and help maintain healthy smiles.
How Sealants Protect Children's Teeth:
Generally, dental sealants are used to protect molars from oral bacteria and harmful acids in the mouth. These larger, flatter teeth are located towards the back of the mouth and can be difficult to clean effectively. Molars are the site where four out of five instances of tooth decay occur. Decay-causing bacteria often live in the grooves and pits found on the chewing surfaces of molars. These areas are extremely hard to reach with a regular toothbrush.
If a pediatric dentist determines that a child is at high risk for tooth decay, they may choose to coat additional teeth (for example, premolars). The sealant acts as a protective layer, preventing food particles and oral bacteria from reaching vulnerable tooth enamel.
Dental sealants do not directly improve the health of teeth and should not replace fluoride supplements (if recommended by the dentist) or general oral care practices. However, sealants are generally less expensive, less uncomfortable, and more aesthetically pleasing than dental fillings.
How Sealants Are Applied:
While there are various types of dental sealants, most are made of liquid plastic. Initially, the pediatric dentist must thoroughly clean and prepare the molars before painting the sealant onto the targeted teeth. Some sealants have a bright pink color when wet and become clear when dry. This temporary coloring helps the dentist ensure that all grooves and pits have been fully covered.
Once every targeted tooth is coated to the dentist’s satisfaction, the sealant is either allowed to harden on its own or exposed to a blue spectrum light for several seconds (depending on the specific brand's chemical composition). This special light helps to harden the sealant and cure the plastic. The final result is a clear (or whitish), thin, hard, and durable layer of sealant.
It's important to note that the sealant application procedure is easily completed in a single office visit and is completely painless.
When Should Sealants Be Applied?
Sealants are typically applied when the primary (baby) molars first emerge. Depending on the child’s oral habits, the sealants may last for the entire lifespan of the primary tooth or may need to be replaced several times. Essentially, how long sealants last depends on the individual child’s oral habits.
Pediatric dentists recommend that permanent molars be sealed as soon as they erupt. In some cases, sealant can be applied even before the permanent molar is fully grown.
Sealants are checked during each regular dental visit and are reapplied or “touched up” as needed.
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