Contrary to popular belief, children can suffer from tooth decay. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay is one of the most common chronic pediatric illnesses in the United States.
Furthermore, children are more likely than adults to suffer from dental decay. The enamel on a child's baby teeth is thinner and more sensitive than on adult teeth.
As a parent, you may be wondering how you can keep your child's mouth cavity-free. The truth is that every child is susceptible to tooth decay, whether inherited or caused by an excess of sweets in the diet. The issue isn't that a child gets a cavity, but that the cavity isn't treated by a pediatric dentist.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are clear plastic coatings that are applied to the grooved and pitted surfaces of teeth.
Sealants are most commonly used on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, which can be difficult for children to brush properly.
Even for people who practice meticulous dental hygiene, cleaning out all of the grooves and pits of the teeth is nearly impossible. Food and bacteria can then accumulate, causing decay and cavities.
Dental sealants, on the other hand, protect your child's teeth from plaque and decay. They also provide a layer of protection for many years if properly cared for.
What Are The Types of Sealants?
Sealants are made up of a combination of chemicals, fillers, and resins. Glass ionomers and composite resin fillings are the two most common types of dental sealants used in preventive dentistry. Each material has differences that pediatric dentists must consider before deciding on a treatment.
Composite Resin
These dental sealants do not release fluoride over time, so they do not benefit your child's tooth enamel layers. They can be tooth-colored to blend in with the child's natural teeth.
Dentists use a resin that bonds to your teeth with the help of a dental curing light. The hardening of the sealants with light is a quick process. Remember that they are sensitive to moisture.
This treatment option outlasts the glass ionomer counterpart mentioned below. However, you should still take your child to the pediatric dentist regularly to ensure that the treatment is going well.
Glass Ionomer
This treatment alternative is a more flexible paste that can be used on baby teeth. Dentists don't use light to cure this compound; instead, they combine two components to create an acid-base reaction in the patient's teeth.
This flexible paste adheres to the teeth. It slowly releases fluoride, which strengthens the tooth enamel over time. Glass ionomer sealants are not as long-lasting as resin sealants. Nevertheless, they offer significantly better caries prevention during treatment.
Because glass ionomer materials blend so well with a patient's natural tooth color, many people prefer them as a functional and aesthetically pleasing treatment.
You can discover what will be best for your situation by googling “dental sealants near me,” making an appointment with a dentist, and receiving a consultation about the available options.
When Should A Child Get Dental Sealants?
Because a pediatric dentist's primary focus is on younger patients, dentists recommend that parents inquire about dental sealants when their child's first permanent molars erupt.
Dental sealants for primary teeth are also an excellent way to supplement your child's dental hygiene routine. Still, your dentist would stress the significance of preventing decay in permanent teeth, such as a child's first and second molars.
Molar teeth usually erupt between the ages of 6 and 12, so marking your calendars for those dates can help you plan ahead of time to ensure your child's dental health. Teens are also good candidates for this treatment, but the earlier you get dental sealants for your child, the better the results.
What are the Risks of Dental Sealants in Children?
Sealants also contain trace amounts of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in many plastics. Many parents avoid BPA products because they have been linked to health issues in children and babies. There is no evidence that BPA in dental sealants causes health problems, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).
The only negative side effect of dental sealant is an allergic reaction. The good news is that reactions to dental sealants are uncommon. Any allergies you may have should be discussed with your dentist. Whether or not you require sealants, this is an important step to take.
