Ask a Family Dentist: Why Would a Child Need Dental Sealants?

If your dentist has recommended that your child get dental sealants, you might be wondering why. Many children can benefit from this type of protection because it can prevent cavities. Bacteria are unable to stay on the surface of the tooth. This is good for surfaces that are often difficult to clean. The molars often trap bits of food because of the grooved surfaces in them. Keep reading to learn more about dental sealants.

Why do dental sealants work?

This type of protection is designed to cover the entire chewing surface of the back teeth. That helps to keep out plaque, bacteria, food and other harmful substances. Parents can think of this as a shield over the molars’ grooves. That can make it easier to clean the back teeth. It also protects them from small bacteria or food particles. These seal out substances that cause cavities and prevent holes from forming in the teeth.

What are some benefits of dental sealants?

Many parents want to know why a child should get sealants before signing off on them. The main benefit is that they help a child avoid cavities and tooth decay. This is a preventative procedure because it protects teeth the same way that brushing does. One study looked at school-age children who did and did not have sealants.

The children who did not have sealants had a three times higher risk of getting cavities. This was compared to the children who did have dental sealants. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control also found that dental sealants can potentially save money. The number was as high as $300 million in the country.

Better mental clarity

Good oral hygiene impacts a child’s school performance. A child who has tooth decay is more likely to have sleep and eating issues. That can interfere with the performance and attendance at school. Dental sealants have an impact on the child’s mental clarity and overall health. With a dental sealant, a child will be set up for success. That can prevent a small issue from becoming a bigger one.

There are no real downsides to dental sealants. Sometimes, these can wear off or chip and need replacement, but this is not very common. Sealants also do not last forever, as they will thin over time. The good news is that sealants can last for three to five years or up to 10. By this time, the child will most likely be able to take care of their teeth by themselves.

Visit a dentist today for a dental sealant

Now you know more about why your child needs dental sealants. By protecting your child from cavities, you can set them up for success in school. Keep in mind that fluoride alone will not save your child from tooth decay. Instead, proper oral hygiene, fluoride and sealants can dramatically reduce your child’s risk of decay. Contacting a dentist today can help you get started with sealants for your child.

Request an appointment here: https://www.alluredentistry.com or call Allure Dentistry at (310) 683-5321 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.

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