February is tagged National Children’s Dental Health Month. It’s a month that brings together thousands of passionate dental professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to advance the benefits of good oral health in kids.

The 2022 National Children’s Dental Health Month’s central focus is on sealants, with the theme being “Sealants Make Sense.” As a pediatric dental practice, we’ll be enumerating the usefulness of sealants in your kids and their application procedure.

Brushing and flossing regularly helps remove food particles and plaque from the chewing surfaces of teeth. However, toothbrush bristles cannot reach every nook and cranny of your teeth to extract leftover food and plaque. Sealants protect your teeth by sealing out plaque and bacteria.

What Is a Dental Sealant?

A dental sealant is a protective bond made of a liquid plastic resin applied to the surfaces of the premolars and molars. The pits and fissures are where four out of five cavities in children are found. When the tooth is sealed, the deep grooves become a smooth surface, hindering the development of tooth decay and plaque formation.

How Are Dental Sealants Applied to Children’s Teeth?

Dental sealants are traditionally applied to kids’ teeth once permanent teeth emerge. The application procedure for sealants isn’t difficult. It’s a painless procedure that is completed in a few minutes.

After cleaning your teeth, your dentist will place a washing solution on the surface, then the sealant is painted onto the back teeth, right into the pits. A UV light is used to harden the sealant. Once completed, children can resume eating and drinking as they would normally.

How Long Do They Last?

The length of time sealants last varies. Some may last up to 10 years; however, 2-4 years is a more accurate estimate. Research has indicated that when a sealant is placed over a slight decay, the decay stops progressing.

It’s essential to see your pediatric dentist every six months for a check-up. The dentist will check the dental sealants to ensure they are entirely in place. If the bonds break off, your dentist can reapply them.

At What Age Should Children Get Sealants?

School-aged children aged 6 to 14 years are recommended to receive dental sealants. According to the American Dental Association, your first molar comes around age 6, while the second breaks through around age 12.

Most dentists recommend applying a sealant to the teeth to prevent tooth decay as soon as they come through. In some cases, sealants are applied over baby teeth, mainly if the teeth contain deep grooves or pits.

How Much Do Sealants Cost?

Sealants are a cost-effective treatment for protecting against tooth decay in children. Tooth sealing costs less than a dental filling, and its application procedure doesn’t require any drilling or numbing medication. Some dental plans do cover sealants, so ensure you inquire at your pediatric dental office in Statesville, NC, for the kind of dental coverage you have.

Other Ways to Prevent Cavities in Children

Note that sealants are not a replacement for a dental care routine. To aid in preventing cavities in children, ensure they brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Please encourage them to floss between the teeth each day and avoid sugary food such as soda and candy. Finally, visit the dentist regularly.

To learn more about sealants for children, schedule an appointment with Happy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry. Our team of experts will gladly answer all your questions and provide an efficient consultation service. Call us today!