Three Things Parents Need To Know About Dental Sealants

If you're like most people with young children, you care deeply about the quality of your child's dental health and have taken the time and effort to choose a family dentist wisely. Like other parents, you may have heard others talking about dental sealants and are wondering if they would be a viable option for your child. School-aged children often don't practice the best oral hygiene — and younger ones may lack the fine motor skills necessary to do a thorough job of brushing and flossing. Unfortunately, this is also the age when children tend to get the most cavities. Dental sealants cover the most vulnerable tooth surfaces so the tooth decay that causes cavities doesn't gain a foothold. Here's what you need to know about dental sealants:

​Dental Sealants Are Safe

Because they're manufactured from the same type of medical-grade resin composite that modern fillings are made out of, dental sealants are safe for use in your child's mouth. Unlike fillings, however, sealants have a runny texture that can easily be applied to the surface of the teeth. After the sealant is applied to your child's teeth, your family dentist will thoroughly dry the area using specialized equipment. 

Dental Sealants Work 

Dental sealants are usually placed on the back molars, which is the area where school-aged children seem to struggle the most when it comes to doing a proper job of brushing their teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children with dental sealants are three times less likely to develop cavities on their molars than their counterparts who don't have dental sealants. Dental sealants work by providing a strong, effective barrier between tooth surfaces and the oral bacteria that leads to tooth decay. Molars in particular are a prime breeding ground for bacteria because of all their crevices, cracks, and generally uneven surfaces. 

Dental Sealants Can Save You Money

If you're like most parents, you're always happy to hear of ways that you can save money, and as you may already know, dental bills can add up quickly where children are concerned, because these are the prime years for the development of cavities. The application of dental sealants can cut these costs considerably.

Ask your family dentist if sealants are right for your children. They may help keep your child's teeth from developing cavities and help you save money on fillings. For more information, reach out to a local dental clininc.