There are bacteria and disease-causing germs feeding on the sugar we consume. The acid released in this process can cause damage to the tooth enamel, a hard protective coating on the tooth. This exposes underlying dentin and causes cavities.   The back teeth (molars) in our mouth have fissures on their surfaces. This is where tooth decay starts and grows. Food stuck in these tiny grooves is not easy to remove. Tooth decay is the most common dental problem among American children. In the state of Washington, 40% of kindergarteners and 58% of third graders are suffering from cavities.

Dental Sealants For Children

Tooth decay can be a root cause of many oral health problems. As prevention is better than cure, you can see a dentist expert in dental sealants for children. It will prevent cavities in permanent teeth. A healthy oral routine that involves regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can help in avoiding many potential dental problems in your kid’s teeth. Dental sealants create an additional front line of defense against cavities and other dental problems. These are thin protective coatings usually made of plastic. Dental sealants fill the small grooves on the chewing surfaces of molars. The food no longer sticks in fissures and even if it is stuck, you can easily remove by brushing. This protective layer leaves no space for bacteria to grow. Dental sealants can reduce the risk of cavities by 80%. As sealants create a protective layer on teeth, this can also prevent sensitivity after dental filling.

Are Dental Sealants Safe For Children?

Bpa Level In Dental Sealants

An unsafe amount of bisphenol A can cause reproductive disorders, asthma, and several other health problems. It is a compound found in products made from plastic. However, lower levels of BPA pose no threat to health. The level of bisphenol A is very low in dental sealants. We are already exposed to BPA which is 100 times the BPA found in dental sealants. So, dental sealants are safe for kids. Even when you are concerned, you can ask the dentist to use BPA-free dental sealants. The dentist will examine the oral of your child before applying dental sealants.

What Is the Right Age for the Sealants for Children?

According to the American Dental Association, dental sealants are ideal for kids with age from 5 to 14. The best time for getting dental sealants is immediately after the development of the first permanent molars between the ages of 5 and 7. The second set of permanent molars grow between the ages of 11 and 14. The dentist will apply dental sealants on second molars. Teens prone to cavities can take advantage of dental sealants.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

• Prevent food build up on the chewing surface of molars
• Prevent cavities
• Applied in only a few minutes
• Pain-free procedure
• Need no drilling or injections
• Safe
• Look exactly like natural
• Affordable

Dental Sealants Procedure

This is a simple and safe procedure completed in a few minutes. First of all, the dentist cleans and dries teeth to prepare for dental sealants. This is followed by painting a thin layer of plastic liquid. The dentist uses a special light to harden this layer. Sealants for children provide you with an inexpensive way to protect your kid’s smile from tooth decay and many other potential diseases.