What are dental sealants for kids? They are a thin coating of a safe plastic material that bonds to the tooth’s surface. They are applied to the pre-molars or molars and even recommended by the CDC to help prevent cavities. There are many benefits of dental sealants and we’ve listed five of them below. Are they right for your child?
A Protective Barrier
All teeth have pits and grooves in them. These are designed to help you break down your food when chewing. Usually, brushing your teeth can remove most of the particles left behind in these grooves but kids may not have the best oral hygiene routine or brushing skills. Sealants fill in these pits and grooves to create a protective barrier and one that’s easier to clean with brushing.
Supports Dental Health
We only get one set of permanent teeth and it’s important to take care of them throughout our lives. Dental sealants for kids help to prevent as many cavities as possible while they are still young, helping them maintain better dental health as adults. Even after a filling, a cavity creates permanent damage that can’t be reversed.
Easy to Apply
Applying sealants is a very easy process at the office. There’s no numbing required and the sealant dries quickly. They can go back to eating and drinking normally right after their appointment. At first, they may feel like there is food in their teeth as the sealant fills in valleys and grooves. The feeling is temporary and after a few days they won’t feel that the sealants are there.
Long Lasting
The National Institutes of Health shows that dental sealants for kids can last up to 10 years. If the sealant on a tooth is ever damaged or chipped, your dentist may be able to repair it. Sealants are a small investment that will make a big difference in your child’s dental health for a long time.
Affordable
Most insurance plans will cover dental sealants for kids as they help to reduce the costs of dental care as they get older. If your insurance doesn’t cover the cost, you may qualify for financing or special pricing. Overall, the initial cost of sealants is small compared to the dental bills they could prevent over many years.
If you are interested in dental sealants for kids and would like to find out more, call Kids 4 Ever Pediatric Dentistry at (832) 800-8444 to schedule an appointment. Together, we can decide if they are right for your child.