Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that 37% of U.S. children between the ages of 2 and 8 experience tooth decay in their primary teeth, and 58% of U.S. teenagers currently have or have had tooth decay. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to other challenges including problems with eating, speaking, and learning. Pediatric dentists are continually making advances in cavity prevention to help reduce this statistic. Dental sealants for kids are among those tools readily available to parents looking for safe, effective cavity prevention.

Tooth Decay Prevention Tool

Dental sealants act as a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth, particularly the back teeth (molars and premolars), which are more susceptible to cavities due to their grooves and fissures. Dental sealants have shown to be effective in preventing cavities from forming. These thin coatings are applied to the chewing surfaces, effectively sealing out food particles and plaque that brushing and flossing may miss. Of course, the most effective way to prevent cavities continues to be proper and regular brushing and flossing. Sealants add an extra layer of protection.

The Benefits of Kids’ Dental Sealants

Are sealants a good idea for kids? Absolutely. The CDC reports that dental sealants prevented 80 percent of cavities in kids for two years after application and continue to protect against 50 percent of cavities for up to four years. Their potential to remain effective may even extend up to nine years, making them a significant preventive measure against tooth decay.

Dental sealants also offer numerous advantages beyond cavity prevention. By preserving the tooth’s natural structure, they can eliminate the need for more invasive dental procedures later on. In addition, dental sealants for kids are cost-effective, particularly when considering the expense associated with treating cavities and other dental issues.

How Are Dental Sealants Applied?

First, your dentist will brush the occlusal surface (the biting edge, or the top of) the molar or premolar to be sealed, and rinse clean. The tooth to be sealed is isolated as needed. The sealant material is freshly mixed by the dentist and gently applied to the selected tooth. Using a finger or microbrush, the dentist will adapt the sealant to the tooth surface to make it feel more natural. The sealant completely sets after 2 minutes.

Kids can eat and drink right away after getting sealants.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

With proper care and regular dental checkups, sealants can protect your kid’s teeth for many years. Their potential to remain effective extends up to nine years, making them a significant preventive measure against tooth decay. They need to be monitored for wear and tear and can be easily replaced if necessary. Your dentist will take a look at the sealants at your kid’s regular routine cleaning and note any changes to them.

Are Dental Sealants Necessary?

Given their proven long-term effectiveness in cavity prevention, the answer leans toward yes, especially for children at a higher risk of tooth decay. Children without sealants are nearly three times more likely to develop cavities compared to those with sealants. Sealants are an important component of a comprehensive preventive dental care strategy. Since they are fast and simple to apply, do not require a special appointment, and last for up to nine years, dental sealants are one of the more significant technologies used in preventive dentistry today.

At Newtown Dentistry, we are all about cavity prevention. Our board-certified, highly experienced dentists have provided individualized cavity prevention plans for kids for more than 25 years. In addition to dental sealants, we utilize a number of cavity-fighting tools and procedures that can further reduce your risk of cavities, including a CariScreen Caries Susceptibility Test that scores your risk of dental cavities, Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) liquid that prevents cavity growth, and Xylitol that can help stop tooth decay.

Let us help your child start on a healthy path of cavity prevention. Schedule your appointment now. Or, call us any time at (215) 774-5496.