Protect Your Child’s Smile with Dental SealantsSafeguard Hard-to-Reach Molars from Cavities with This Simple, Effective Treatment
Daily brushing and flossing are crucial for preventing cavities in your child’s teeth, but it can be challenging to clean them thoroughly. The small pits and deep grooves on molars (the back teeth used for chewing) are particularly hard to reach and can easily trap food and bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities. In fact, the CDC reports that 9 out of 10 cavities develop in the permanent molars. Thankfully, these vulnerable areas can be protected with dental sealants, which effectively “seal off” the pits and grooves to prevent decay.
What Are Pediatric Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are white, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of children’s molars. They form a solid barrier over the tooth, preventing food and bacteria from settling into the deep pits and grooves that are hard to clean, effectively reducing the risk of cavities.
Are Sealants Necessary for Your Child’s Teeth?
Yes, sealants are a highly effective preventive measure. Most cavities in children occur in the back teeth, but sealants can reduce this risk significantly. According to the CDC, sealants lower the risk of cavities in permanent molars by 80% for the first two years after application and continue to provide a 50% reduction in cavities for up to four years. Applying sealants early can help prevent more invasive treatments, such as fillings and crowns, later on.
How Are Sealants Applied at Boca Delray Pediatric Dentistry ?
We can apply dental sealants during your child’s routine cleaning appointment. The process is quick, painless, and doesn’t require any numbing or drilling. Here’s how it works
- The tooth is cleaned and dried.
- A soft mouthpiece is used to isolate the tooth.
- A special gel is applied briefly to roughen the surface for better adhesion.
- The tooth is cleaned and dried again before the sealant is painted on.
- A curing light hardens the sealant, creating a strong, protective barrier.
How Long Do Sealants Last?
Dental sealants can last several years, depending on factors like your child’s oral hygiene and the shape of the teeth. During regular checkups, the dentist will examine the sealants and can reapply them if needed to maintain protection.
Get Dental Sealants for Your Child Today
Interested in protecting your child’s teeth with dental sealants? Contact Boca Delray Pediatric Dentistry to schedule an appointment. Call us at (561) 499-1788, and Dr. Maria will help you decide if sealants are the right choice for your child.
When Should Sealants Be Applied?
Sealants are recommended as soon as your child’s first permanent molars appear, usually around age six, and again when the second permanent molars come in, around age twelve. The American Dental Association and the National Institutes of Health both recommend sealing these teeth to prevent cavities early. In some cases, baby teeth with deep grooves may also benefit from sealants.
Do Dental Sealants Contain BPA?
Sealants contain trace amounts of BPA, but the exposure level is minimal and poses no known health risk. In fact, people are exposed to about 100 times more BPA just from breathing air than from dental sealants. Both the American Dental Association and the CDC consider sealants to be safe and highly beneficial.
To further minimize BPA exposure, we take several steps during the application process, including isolating the tooth, using a curing light to harden the sealant, and rinsing the tooth afterward. For parents concerned about BPA, we also offer glass ionomer sealants as a BPA-free alternative. Dr. Maria can discuss these options and help you choose the best type for your child.
Visit Us in Delray Beach, FL
Boca Delray Pediatric Dentistry proudly serves children from Delray Beach, FL and the surrounding areas.