It is important to keep children’s teeth healthy. Cavities can lead to pain, discomfort, and in some cases, serious dental issues. One of the best ways to prevent cavities in kids is by visiting a dentist in North Edmonton and using dental sealants. Sealants are a simple and safe way to protect children’s teeth and maintain a healthy smile.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a thin protective coating that covers the chewing surface of back teeth, where cavities often start. The back teeth (molars) have grooves and pits that food and bacteria can hide in. Brushing sometimes cannot reach all these areas. Sealants help cover these grooves, which will assist in preventing food and bacteria from getting stuck and causing cavities.
Sealants can be applied easily by a dentist during a general dental appointment. Sealants will not take long to apply, are painless, and there is no need for drilling. Sealants form a good, strong barrier, which reduces cavities and protects the enamel covering on the tooth.
How Dental Sealants Protect Kids from Cavities
Cavities occur due to the acid produced by the bacteria in the mouth, which wears away the enamel of a tooth. These bacteria feed on food that is left over, especially sugars. Over time, the enamel wears away to either expose the dentin (inside of the tooth) or have holes or cavities.
Dental sealants will act like a shield over the grooves and fissures of molars. By covering those areas, a sealant makes it more difficult for bacteria and food to reach the enamel, preventing cavities and the need for fillings.
Here’s a simple way to understand it:
| Without Sealants | With Sealants |
| Food and bacteria get trapped in tooth grooves | Grooves are covered, keeping food and bacteria out |
| Higher chance of cavities | Lower chance of cavities |
| May need fillings or other dental work | Teeth remain healthy longer |
Benefits of Dental Sealants for Kids’ Teeth
There are several benefits to sealants. Some of the benefits of dental sealants in North Edmonton for kids’ teeth include
- Cavity Prevention: Sealants protect the most vulnerable areas of the teeth to prevent cavities from developing.
- Pain reduction: By avoiding cavities, it is much less likely for children to experience toothaches and sensitivity.
- Money savings: By not needing to fill cavities, it will reduce the number of crowns and other treatments, which are expensive.
- It’s quick and painless: Sealants are fast and do not hurt, which makes it easier to get kids interested in dental care.
- Long-lasting protection: Sealants last for a number of years when good oral hygiene is followed daily and regular dental visits are scheduled with a dentist.
Are Dental Sealants Safe for Children?
A question that many parents have asked us begins with “Are sealants safe for children?” The answer is yes. Sealants are not damaging to teeth, enamel, or gums, and they have no harmful side effects. Sealants are made from safe materials approved for use with children’s teeth. Because sealants are safe and effective, dentists have been recommending them as preventative treatment for children.
A common question from parents is, “Are sealants safe for children?” The answer is yes. When Should Children Get Dental Sealants?
Timing is important to maximize protection. Children should have sealants placed on their chewing surfaces when their permanent molars come in, which usually occurs between the ages of 6 to 12. A dentist will evaluate the teeth and determine the best time for placement of sealants.
Some children may benefit from sealants on their baby teeth, particularly if the child is at a high risk for cavities or if their baby teeth especially have deep grooves. A dentist near you can provide further details and personalized advice and also create a preventive plan for your children’s dental health.
How to Care for Teeth With Sealants
Even though sealants cover the grooves in the teeth to protect them, children still require good oral hygiene. Children should
- Brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss between their teeth once a day.
- Eat a variety of nutritious foods, low levels of sugary snacks, and limit sugary drinks.
- Visit a dentist near you regularly for a check-up and inspect the child’s sealants.
Sealants can still weaken over time; dentists will inspect the sealants during their visits and will reapply them if necessary.
Shield Child’s Teeth With A Dental Sealant!
Beverly Heights Dental helps protect your child teeth with dental sealants. Our team makes visits easy and comfortable for kids and helps them keep their teeth and gums healthy. Sealants help to prevent cavities by covering the grooves of molars where food and even bacteria get stuck or trapped.
Schedule an appointment today to protect your child’s teeth.
