Without a doubt, teaching your child how to brush and floss their teeth is one of the best ways you can help them prevent cavities. However, this simple daily task isn’t always so easy when they’re first learning. This is especially true when it comes to cleaning the back molars, which are large, hard to reach, and contain deep grooves. To help protect that precious smile from decay while they learn about great oral hygiene, talk to your dentist about dental sealants for children. This quick and simple treatment can make all the difference in keeping that growing smile happy, healthy, and cavity-free. Read on as we answer five of the most common questions parents ask about dental sealants.
1.) What Are Dental Sealants Made Of?
A dental sealant is a coating of clear, biocompatible material that covers the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, especially the pits and grooves. They cannot be penetrated by cavity-causing plaque and bacteria, so they make an excellent protective barrier against decay. They’re practically invisible, 100% safe for your child’s mouth, and incredibly effective at preventing cavities.
2.) What’s It Like to Get Dental Sealants?
Applying dental sealants is quick and easy. In fact, it can usually be completed at the end of any of their routine visits within just a few moments. Your children’s dentist will clean and dry the back teeth to make sure the sealant can form a strong bond with the enamel. Then, the dental sealant is painlessly painted onto the teeth and hardened into place with a special blue curing light. Your dentist may instruct you to keep your child from eating or drinking over the next 30 minutes to ensure the sealant sets correctly, and after that, your child shouldn’t be able to see, feel, or taste the new sealant.
3.) When Should My Child Get Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are tested, reliable, and safe for children of practically any age. Since they’re most effective on the back molars, it’s typically recommended that children get dental sealants around the ages of 6 and 12, when their back teeth begin to come in.
4.) Does My Child Need Sealants If They Drink Fluoridated Tap Water?
Fluoride and dental sealants are both excellent tools for preventing cavities, but they do so in different ways. Fluoride from community drinking water and toothpaste seeps into the enamel to strengthen it against decay. Meanwhile, sealants coat the teeth with a protective shield. When used together, they can dramatically lower your little one’s risk of tooth decay!
5.) Are Dental Sealants Covered By Dental Insurance?
Dental sealants are a preventive service, so they often receive 90-100% coverage from dental insurance. However, you should always check the details of your policy to understand what you can expect. If you don’t have dental insurance or if dental sealants aren’t covered, rest assured that this simple treatment is often very inexpensive and well-worth the investment!
About the Practice
Castle Rock Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is proud to offer all the specialized preventive dental care services your child needs while they grow. From mouthguards to dental sealants, our team offers personalized treatments to ensure your child gets exactly what they need to achieve and maintain optimal oral health. If you have more questions about dental sealants or how to prevent cavities in children, we’d be more than happy to talk with you. Feel free to reach us online or at (303) 660-5373.
