Learn the Benefits of Dental Sealants for Children

Dental sealants for children are an excellent solution for protecting young patients' teeth. With more children developing cavities, dentists are emphasizing getting this preventive dentistry option. Dental sealants act as a barrier, protecting tooth enamel from harmful bacteria, acids, and plaque. Both adults and children can benefit from sealants, but the earlier you get them, the better. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends dental sealants for children once their primary or permanent molars are in place. If you have questions about sealants for kids, board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Jeni Kong and the team at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA have the answers. Read on to learn more about how they work and can protect your child's dental health.

What are the advantages of sealants for kids?

A tooth sealant covers the surface of the back molars to protect against plaque and food particles. Molars have an uneven, rough texture, making them a perfect target for leftover food and cavity-causing bacteria to hide. Once the clear, protective coating is bonded to the tooth's surface, it can reduce the risk of tooth decay by nearly 80%. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), school-age children or teenagers without dental sealants are three times more likely to develop tooth decay. Other benefits of sealants for kids are:

• Durable and can last several years
• Provide almost immediate protection once applied
• Easy, simple preventive dentistry treatment
• Provide extra protection for the chewing surfaces of the back teeth

How are dental sealants for kids applied?

The primary goal of a dental sealant is to reduce the risk of tooth decay. It is not always easy to clean every nook and cranny of those pesky back molars. Sealing your children's permanent back molars as soon as they come in helps them potentially stay cavity-free from the start. Sealants for kids can improve their oral health, saving parents money in the long run. This quick and virtually painless in-office treatment only takes a few minutes. After a professional dental cleaning, an acidic gel is brushed onto the target areas. The gel application "roughs" up the tooth's surface so the sealant can adhere properly. After a few seconds, the gel is rinsed off, and the dental adhesive is applied. A special blue light is utilized to harden the sealant into place. It only takes about one minute for each tooth, and kids can eat and drink right away!

Are teeth sealants for children safe?

Dental sealants for Lawrenceville, GA children are safe and made of medical-grade resin, like composite material used in other dental treatments, such as tooth-colored fillings. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends sealants for kids between the ages of 5 – 14 or once your child's first permanent molars come in. Another round of sealants can be applied when your child gets their second set of permanent molars, usually between the age of 11 – 14 years old. If you are unsure when to consider tooth sealants, contact Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry and schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeni.

Schedule your child's dental sealant appointment today

Give your child long-term protection against tooth decay by getting them dental sealants. By "sealing" their back molars, bacteria, food particles, and other cavity-causing elements cannot take over. Dental sealants for children are an easy, quick, and usually painless treatment that provides almost immediate protection that can last for several years. To learn more, or schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeni Kong, contact Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA.