Are Dental Sealants Safe for Children?

Are Dental Sealants Safe for Children?

Mar 01, 2023

Taking excellent care of teeth and oral health is a lifelong commitment. Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste and flossing helps to prevent cavities. Sometimes it’s hard for the toothbrush bristles to access the grooves of the teeth.

Food particles and bacteria are left behind when that happens, creating good conditions for tooth decay. Dental sealants are an easy way to protect teeth from decay in the long run.

Dental sealants are thin coatings that are placed over the molars and premolars to protect them from cavities. It can also be applied to other teeth with pits, grooves, or deep fissures to aid in protecting these surfaces.

One can get sealants for sensitive teeth. A sealant creates a layer that protects the tooth from extreme temperatures alleviating the sensitivity.

Sealing teeth immediately after they can prevent cavities from the start saving time and discomfort. Teenagers and children are good candidates for this treatment; however, there is also tooth sealant for adults.

Adults can also get this treatment if they don’t have fillings or decay in their molars.

Is Dental Sealant Safe for Kids?

At a certain point in your kid’s dental care, a dentist may recommend dental sealant application to protect against cavities. That recommendation can make you wonder whether the application of this material is safe for your child. The answer is yes; sealants are a safe option for your child.

Teeth sealants are made from refined plastic, and that material poses zero threat to a child.

Children are more likely to get cavities between the age of 6 and 14. Our dentist in Tampa recommends sealing a kid’s teeth immediately after they come out to guard them against decay. In cases where baby teeth have pitted areas or deep grooves, the dentist may suggest placing sealants over them.

How are Sealants Applied?

The dentist thoroughly cleans the tooth surface using a paste and rotating brush. After drying your teeth, the dental professional proceeds to apply an acidic gel that roughens the teeth’ surface forming a strong bond between the enamel and sealant.

The acid takes a few seconds to work; then, the teeth are rinsed off and dried. The next step is painting the sealants into the grooves of the teeth. After that, the dentist shines a blue light on the teeth, which helps to harden the sealant.

In certain cases, the dentist places teeth sealants over places of early decay to stop the existing cavities from causing further damage to the teeth. If you or your child needs sealant, you can stop by Wang and Cortes Dental today.

Benefits of Sealants

Here are some benefits that come with getting dental sealants for sensitive teeth:

  • Prevent cavities

If an adult has cavities or is giving off early signs of decay, then placing a sealant over the area can stop further damage to the teeth. Since sealants are clear, the dentist can check the tooth to ensure the sealant is working correctly.

Dental sealants can protect the enamel of the teeth. They create a barrier that prevents food and plaque from forming in places that are hard to access on the back molars.

If you want to get this treatment as a preventative measure, you can visit our dentist’s office in Tampa.

  • The procedure is simple and painless.

The procedure of dental sealants is non-invasive and virtually painless. Dental sealant application involves applying a liquid resin to the chewing surface of every tooth with a brush. The resin takes a few seconds to dry, and then the dentist rinses the teeth.

  • Easy to repair and maintain

When teeth sealants are chipped or worn, restoring them is easy. If necessary, the dentist reapplies the sealant to guarantee protection from tooth decay and cavities.

  • Long lifespan

Dental sealants can safeguard your teeth against cavities for at least 5 to 10 years. And if you take good care of them by practicing good oral hygiene, they can last even longer.

During every dental visit, checks the condition and care of the sealants and recommend repair when necessary.

  • Enhance appearance

Sealants not only ease the brushing routine but can also improve a person’s smile. When there are fewer food particles in the crevices of the mouth, it reduces the chances of plaque and bacteria buildup in the crannies and nooks. That results in fewer stains and plaque on the teeth’ surfaces

Our goal is to provide comprehensive dental care in Tampa, and we are accepting patients across the neighborhood including: