How Do Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities in Children?
Daily brushing and flossing removes food particles and plaque from the smooth surfaces of your teeth, but it’s almost impossible to thoroughly brush the nooks and crannies in the back teeth to remove the debris and plaque. Dental sealants help protect these vulnerable areas from tooth decay by “sealing out” plaque and food.
Children ages 6 to 14 benefit from having sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as these teeth pop through. The dental sealants help protect these teeth through the especially cavity-prone years. Even though sealants are typically associated with children and young adults, cavity free adults can also benefit from sealants.
Dental Sealants Defined
Dental sealants have been around since the mid-60’s and have proven to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80 percent. A thin coat of the sealant material is painted onto the chewing surfaces of your molars, sealing up the crevices and grooves that create a perfect storm for having tooth decay. After application, the sealant then hardens, forming a protective coating that is durable and protects against cavities for up to 10 years.
Dental Sealants Are a Significant Advance in Modern Dentistry
The American Dental Association’s Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry indicates that dental sealants are one of the most significant advances in modern dentistry. Sealants are a simple process that forms a barrier on the back molars. The sealants prevent acid and bacteria from destroying enamel in those back teeth. Dental sealants protect these vulnerable areas from tooth decay by “sealing out” food and plaque. This is especially important when it comes to your child’s dental health.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently released a report on the importance of sealants for school-aged children stating, “school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants.”
Can Adults Be Treated with Sealants?
Often, we think sealants are just for children, but adults can also benefit from sealants as well. The American Dental Association (ADA), indicates that by sealing molars as soon as they come in, anyone can keep them cavity-free. Sealants not only offer greater protection for children, but adults that are cavity free can protect their molars with sealants.
Sealants can save the pain of having tooth decay, which leads to fillings, or root canals and crowns.
Dental Sealants Are Part of the Healthy Ground Work of Your Child’s Oral Care
When teaching your children about the importance of good oral care, it’s valuable to establish healthy habits early in their lives. Children are much more likely to escape cavities with that foundation from the beginning.
Daily oral care includes the following:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush for 2 minutes each time.
- Floss your teeth once a day to remove food and plaque from between your teeth; areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Make an appointment to see Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS every six months for professional cleaning and examination. Dr. Evanson has made a commitment to excellence for your whole family’s dental needs.
Dental Sealants Should Be Part of Your Child’s Dental Examination
Routine dental examinations every six months are recommended by the ADA. These exams are integral for a healthy mouth. Please call Dr. Evanson at (720) 409-0008 to schedule an appointment or contact us online. If your child is between the ages of 6-14, ask about dental sealants and the other dental services we provide for your whole family. Dental sealants can make the difference between your children being cavity prone or having a lifetime of healthy teeth!
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