The shape of our teeth matters…literally. Some people have very smooth, flat teeth with shallow grooves, and others have back teeth that look like mountain ranges with peaks, valleys and deep crevices. These grooves serve as hiding places for bacteria to grow deeper than a toothbrush or other hygiene tools can reach. However, sticky carb-type foods and germs find it an easy place to attach long enough to create a weak spot for decay to begin. So how do we protect groovy teeth from a possible cavity?
Dental Sealants to the Rescue!
Pediatric dental sealants protect your child’s teeth and reduce cavities by up to 80% in the first year! Our dental sealant material is a thin coating of a medical-grade, non-BPA resin, similar to a tooth-colored filling. After the tooth has been cleaned and prepped, sealants are then painted on the chewing surface of a back tooth (molars and bicuspids) with the goal of preventing cavities in a high-risk area. There is no tooth numbing required, and we describe it to younger children as a superhero shield on their teeth.
How much do dental sealants cost?
We have found that dental sealants for kids are an excellent investment in long-term tooth health as well as your dental budget. They cost much less than a filling and may prevent more expensive/invasive treatment for those teeth in the future. Since we are adding a material to the tooth and not removing decayed tooth structure, as done for a filling, tooth enamel is not being altered. As a result, when the sealant wears down over time, the whole tooth remains.
How long do dental sealants last?
Our doctors choose the highest quality sealant material and are particular about the precise and moisture-controlled technique we use. With that level of attention to detail, our team expects pediatric dental sealants to last for many, many years. We also check the sealants each time your child comes in for a “recare” visit to ensure they continue to be fully intact. Sealants are certainly not foolproof, as habits such as crunching on ice or hard candies, frequent acidic drinks, chewing on a pen or poor brushing can cause sealants to break down more quickly. Those habits can also break down the tooth surrounding the sealant, so we share that list of “No No’s” with you and your child/teen in order to support your investment toward long-term success.
At what age are dental sealants recommended?
At myKidsdds, we believe it is best to offer dental sealants for kids as soon as the permanent six-year molars are fully exposed in the child’s mouth. As new permanent teeth emerge, we add those teeth to our suggested treatment. The especially cavity-prone years for permanent teeth are from six to 16, at which time we graduate your teen to an adult dentist with pristine sealants intact.
If myKidsdds can help your child get through years six to 20 (as the sealants will last a few years after your child enters the adult world), they have a good chance of having healthy dental habits to take them into adulthood without cavities on the chewing surfaces of their teeth. A very important side note: sealants are not at all helpful for the in-between flossing areas of teeth, so that habit is critical to master…forever!
What about dental sealants for baby teeth?
Dental sealants may also be recommended for primary molars when we see exceptionally deep crevices in baby teeth. While we don’t normally offer dental sealants for baby teeth, there is no need to wait for a molar to become decayed if it is identified as high risk. Second baby molars are present until most children are 12 years old, so they need long-term protection, too. We have also found that if their primary molars have deep grooves, the permanent teeth replacing them are more likely to have even deeper crevices to treat as soon as they arrive.
If you are interested in exploring a way to give your child the advantage of experiencing fewer fillings and crowns in their future, ask myKidsdds doctors or hygienists about dental sealants for kids. Prevention over repair is our goal for all patients.
Healthy Smile, Healthy Child
Of course, a beautiful smile begins with a healthy smile. Our team will help your child achieve good oral hygiene through regular cleanings and one-on-one education. Your little one will receive an oral hygiene score and coaching each time they visit us for a cleaning, cultivating a sense of responsibility and accomplishment while also building their confidence each time they improve their score. Don’t forget, a clean mouth promotes total body health and wellness too! This is why our doctors will screen for airway issues and talk about nutrition, eating habits, and much more. We want our patients to be empowered by the knowledge we provide to them on the health of their facial complex and how it relates to their overall systemic health. We are excited to partner with you throughout your child’s pediatric dental journey into orthodontics, and beyond!
