Everything you Need to Know About Dental Sealants for your Child

little girl getting a tooth brush from dental visitIf your child’s dentist has recommended dental sealants, you may have many questions about exactly what they are, if they’re safe, and how they can benefit your child.

Dental sealants are one proven treatment option that, along with regular dental cleanings at the dentist’s office and at-home care, can help maintain good dental health.

In this blog, the pediatric dentists at Park View Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics will explain everything you need to know about dental sealants for your child.

 

What are dental sealants?

These thin plastic coatings are painted on the surface of the back teeth as a liquid, and they harden to form a protective shield over the teeth. The process of having them applied is quick, simple, and painless.

They’re applied to the back teeth because it can be hard to effectively clean their grooves, which tend to trap food and bacteria and are susceptible to a buildup of plaque. As a result, they’re susceptible to developing decay.

Sealants create a smooth surface that fills in the deep grooves and makes teeth easier to clean.

 

When are dental sealants acceptable for kids?

Dental sealants are applied once the six-year old molars (the first permanent molars, which come in between the ages of 5 and 7) are present, or any time between the ages of 6 and 16.

Sealants can help reduce tooth decay, which will help save time and money by enabling patients to avoid fillings, crowns, or caps.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 21 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 11 and 58 percent of adolescents have had cavities in permanent teeth.

 

How do sealants work?

Sealants fill in and smooth out the grooves and fissures in your teeth that tend to hide food particles and attract cavity-causing bacteria. They’ve been shown to reduce the risk of cavities in teeth that are protected in this way.

Sealants can protect the teeth for up to 10 years, but they should be checked frequently by a dentist for normal wear and tear, which can let bacteria and food seep in.

 

Are dental sealants safe for my children?

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably heard the buzzword “BPA” quite a few times in recent years. The biggest factor is the general safety of dental sealants is Bisphenol A, commonly referred to as BPA, which is a resin used in many types of plastics. The dental sealants used at Park View Pediatric Dentistry are BPA free.

There has been no evidence that sealants cause harm, and there is considerable evidence of benefits.

 

Where can my child get dental sealants in NYC?

At Park View Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our experienced NYC pediatric dentists will care for your child’s teeth from his or her first visit to our dental office and will determine the best time for applying dental sealants. If we recommend sealants, we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about them.

If you need to schedule a dental visit for your child or want to learn more about sealants for children, call our office at (212) 879-6518 or request an appointment at Park View Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics by filling out the form on this page.

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