Why Consider Dental Sealants For Your Child

Dentists always recommend that children should get dental sealants, but for parents, the big question is why. Dental sealants at first hand don’t sound so necessary, and if your child has a good dental routine and eats well, then why should you worry? Dental sealants, however, have such a huge impact on children’s dental health. We hope that by understanding dental sealants, you can make a more informed decision about your child’s dental health.

What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants layers of plastic painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back molars of the mouth. Plastic? Yes, plastic. The type of material contains BPA, or bisphenol A, used in many different plastics, such as water bottles and metal can-liners. So, why do the CDC and ADA recommend dental sealants if it contains plastic? Well, the amount of BPA within the sealant does not have enough BPA to have adverse health effects, according to the ADA. Because of the minuscule amounts used to cover the teeth’ molars, it’s a highly rare chance that your child will have any side effects.

But why place it on the molars?

The molars have grooves and crevices made for grinding down food into a swallowable form. For children who are still developing their primary molars, these molars can have such deep grooves that can’t be reached by brushing the bacteria out. So, even if your child does have excellent brushing and flossing habits, your child can still get cavities. Covering the molars with a dental sealant creates a tight bond, a hard layer of protection against cavities. The ADA states that dental sealants reduce the risk of cavities in children by 80%.

Dental sealants are a preventative procedure, meaning that the procedure is covered by dental insurance. Dental insurance companies fully support preventative procedures in dentistry because dental sealants, according to them, don’t pose any substantial risks. The procedure itself is non-invasive, meaning that we do not fill or change any aspect of that child’s tooth. It’s a fast procedure, and once completed, can last about ten years if well maintained. However, they most often last three to five years and can be easily refilled with just another coating.

Are there any downsides to dental sealants?

No. The only possible downside is if the sealant wears down and requires a replacement. This is normal, and after your child gets dental sealants, you may often see them using their tongue to feel at the sealants because it will be new to them. We recommend getting sealants between the ages of 11 and 14 because these are the primary teeth that will stay with them long-term up until adulthood.

If you have any more concerns about dental sealants, contact Dr. Swati Singh at Smiling Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Indianapolis, IN, to schedule a consultation. Dr. Singh knows how to handle children, especially if they have any form of dental anxiety, and can help ease parent’s worries about their child’s health. Contact Dr. Singh today to learn more about his dental treatments for kids.