Benefits of Dental Sealants for Your Child

Parents want their children to have the best health possible in all areas. This applies to oral health as well. One of the most critical points in your child’s development is when they begin to lose their baby teeth, and permanent ones emerge through the gums. This also happens to be the period when most children take responsibility for their oral hygiene without direct parental oversight.

Though it’s wonderful to see your child grow and develop greater independence, emerging permanent teeth are at risk for tooth decay and future oral health problems without proper care. Dental sealants offer many benefits for your child, including the prevention of tooth decay and other dental issues in permanent molars.

What Are Sealants?

Sealants are a low-risk, simple dental procedure designed to protect back teeth from tooth decay. Dentists apply a protective coating to “seal” newly emerged molars in your child’s mouth. These sealants guard the surface of molars to keep cavities from forming due to bacteria, acid, tartar, and plaque.

Sealants are especially important and beneficial for the dental health of children. Not only do they protect newly emerged back teeth, but they offer additional protection for children who may be new to brushing and flossing on their own.

Sealants and Long-Term Oral Health

Dental sealants protect from tooth decay and help to prevent future oral health issues in children. The surface of molars tends to collect food particles that break down, causing decay and potential cavities. These teeth can be difficult for children to thoroughly clean with just brushing. Sealants cover the surface of children’s back teeth as a protective measure to prevent and reduce the development of cavities.

However, both parents and children need to remember that thorough at-home hygiene with regular brushing and flossing are necessary for keeping teeth and gums healthy, even with sealants. Dental sealants offer added protection in molars against material that causes tooth decay, but they don’t replace good oral health habits.

Dental sealants are an investment in your child’s long-term oral health for parents. This preventive procedure can save time and money by limiting the risk of cavities and the need for fillings. Contact your dental care team for more information about getting dental sealants for your child.