Take just a moment in time and touch your molars. You will notice pits and crevices. Food particles build up in these grooves resulting in bacteria and germs. Your child has the same grooves which is why you should consider dental sealants as best alternatives to filling cavities in baby teeth. You should know dental sealants for kids are available at your pediatric dentist in North Hollywood.
As a cavity treatment for children, Victory Plaza Dental Group recommends sealants. The best children dentist in town understands the importance of protecting your child’s teeth for their future. If you are wondering do sealants really work, the answer is yes.
What is Sealant For Teeth?
The sealant dental definition is a thin coating placed over your child’s biting molar surface as protection from decay. Dental sealants for kids is a clear resin or thin white liquid your dentist applies to your child’s molars using a little brush. The liquid sealant is then bonded to your child’s tooth prior to being dried with a blue LED light. The reason this is a great cavity treatment for children is your child receives a hard protective layer.
According to the ADA or American Dental Association, a sealant provides a protective layer for your child to decrease the risk of cavities by 80 percent. Your child will not feel any pain, need any drilling, anesthesia or numbing agents for a sealant. You can protect your child’s teeth with a dental sealant. The procedure is safe for your child with minimal risk. Your pediatric dentist in North Hollywood will bond the sealant to your child’s tooth to prevent anything from getting inside.
This is the reason your dentist’s sealant dental definition is to protect the teeth of your child from cavities. Not only is a sealant non-invasive, but it can also prevent the formation of cavities and early stages of decay. For these reasons alone, you should consider dental sealants as best alternatives to filling cavities in baby teeth.
What Are Children’s Dental Sealants Made Of?
Now that you understand what is sealant for teeth, you most likely want to know which materials are used to create a sealant. The best children dentist in town uses a medical-grade resin to create a sealant for your child. The difference between the material used to fill your cavity and a sealant is the material for sealants is naturally runny. When your dentist applies the sealant with a small brush, it flows easily into the crevices and micro-grooves of your child’s teeth.
Think of fingernail polish, but for your child’s teeth. Although a sealant for kids teeth is effective, your child still needs to brush and floss regularly. The advantage is you will be decreasing the risk of your child getting a cavity in a molar by 80 percent. Unfortunately, only 43 percent of children between the age of six and 11 have sealants which will increase your child’s risk of cavities almost three times.
Do Sealants Really Work?
A sealant is similar to a raincoat for your child’s teeth and yes it does work. Your child has bacteria in their mouth that causes cavities. These leftover particles of food can create holes or cavities in your child’s teeth. Once Victory Plaza Dental Group has applied a sealant, food particles are kept out of your child’s teeth so acid and bacteria are unable to settle.
Are Children’s Dental Sealants Appropriate For All Children?
A sealant is beneficial for both you and your child. A sealant is also more effective if applied when your child is younger. Your child gets their first molars around the age of six and the second set at about age 12. When you have these teeth sealed when they first breakthrough, your child can remain free of cavities from the beginning. This means a sealant can save you money and time in the future. Your pediatric dentist in North Hollywood can tell you if your child is a good candidate for a sealant.
How are Dental Sealants For Kids Applied?
You can be assured the process is fast and painless. Your dentist will ensure your child’s tooth is clean and dry prior to using the acidic gel. Your child will have a strong bond between the sealant and their tooth due to the rough surface resulting from the gel. In a few seconds, the gel will be rinsed off your child’s tooth and dried before the sealant is applied to the grooves of their tooth. Your child’s sealant is then hardened with a special blue light.
Can My Child Have a Sealant Over a Cavity?
If your child has early decay, placing a sealant can prevent the tooth from being damaged even more. Since a sealant for kids teeth is clear, your dentist can watch the tooth to make certain the sealant is working correctly.
Should I Be Concerned About Side Effects?
Unless your child has an existing allergy, sealants do not have any side effects so there is no need for concern.
Do Sealants Contain BPA?
Yes, but only in tiny amounts. There is not enough BPA to cause your child any harm. Every time your child is exposed to dust, they receive more BPA than with a sealant.
How Long Will My Child’s Sealant Last?
You can expect the sealant to last for a few years before a reapplication is necessary. The condition of your child’s sealant will be checked during regular visits and can be reapplied when necessary.
Will My Dental Plan Cover Sealants?
Your plan may or may not cover sealants so you should check to determine the type of coverage you have.
Benefits of Sealant for Kids Teeth
You are most likely interested in knowing the benefits of sealants for your child. The most important benefit is preventing and protecting your child’s teeth from cavities. The oral hygiene of your child will also directly impact their performance in school. If your child experiences tooth decay, it can affect their ability to sleep and eat. This will interfere with your child’s ability to go to school and perform well. When your child is at their best, school performance can improve due to better mental and physical health.
This means dental sealants are one of your best options to set the groundwork for a successful future for your child. You can also prevent small dental issues from becoming major expenses. Dental sealants for your child do not have any downsides. On occasion, they can wear away or chip, but all you need to do is bring your child to the dentist for a replacement or repair. This is not common and if it happens, you should not consider it a big deal.
Your child’s sealants will not last forever because they will become thinner as time passes due to normal wear and tear. When your child’s sealants are applied correctly, they can last for three to five years or for as long as 10. If you are interested in protecting your child’s teeth from cavities with sealants, call us today at Victory Plaza Dental Group for a consultation.