Dental Sealants
Dental Sealants
Children can Benefit from Dental Sealants
In children, molars attract cavities like honey attracts bees. Why are the molars of young children so vulnerable to decay? There are a couple of big reasons. First, molars are used to chew food and are constantly exposed to food mixed with saliva. Second, they are located in the back of the mouth and are more difficult to clean.
Applying a dental sealant to the molars of your children when they are between the ages of 5 and 7 can protect their molars from decay. A dental sealant is a thin layer of liquid that hardens and creates a barrier between the teeth and the plaque, food particles and bacteria that collect on them and lead to decay.
Molars begin to appear in children between the ages of 5 and 7, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11 and 14. It's best to have a treatment when the molars first come in to ensure those teeth are protected.
The procedure is simple. It begins when an adhesive is applied to the teeth that are to be treated. The sealant is spread over the adhesive as a liquid. The liquid hardens, creating a protective barrier. Sealants last for about 10 years and can be reapplied if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are dental sealants?
A sealant is a thin liquid coating that hardens on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, creating a barrier against plaque, food particles and bacteria.
Why do molars need sealants?
Molars do the chewing, so they are constantly exposed to food and saliva, and because they sit in the back of the mouth they are harder to clean. That makes them especially prone to cavities.
At what age should my child get sealants?
It's best to apply sealants when the molars first come in. The first molars usually appear between ages 5 and 7, and a second set between ages 11 and 14.
Is getting sealants painful?
No. The procedure is simple: an adhesive is applied to the tooth, the sealant is spread on as a liquid, and it hardens into a protective barrier.
How long do sealants last?
Sealants last about 10 years and can be reapplied if needed.