Teeth protection for children goes beyond daily brushing. Parents wonder whether there is anything else they can do for their children to avert cavities. One of the best and effective prevention strategies is dental sealants. Knowing when to get this procedure done makes a huge difference in the oral health of your child.

What Are Dental Sealants and Why Do They Matter?

Sealants are thin, protective coatings on the chewing surface of molars. These chewing surfaces are most at risk because their grooves and pits trap food and germs. School children without sealants have almost three times the number of cavities compared to children with sealants, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports.

Sealants act as a barrier, preventing the decay-causing plaque and mouth acids from entering the grooves. Sealants are painless, harmless, and one of the best cavity prevention options.

The Ideal Sealant Age

Sealants benefit most children between the ages of 6 and 12, when they have their first and second permanent molars erupt. Applying sealants shortly after these teeth erupt provides them with full protection.

• First permanent molars typically erupt at the age of 6.
• Second permanent molars usually erupt at age 12.

Sealing teeth soon after eruption prevents the possibility of decay in childhood.

Why Should Parents Not Delay Sealant Treatment

Delaying dental sealant application invites cavities to form in the deep crevices of the permanent molars. Once a tooth has decayed, it needs to be filled, and the sealant’s protective effect is lost. Preventing the first cavity from ever happening is always best. Parents can make this possible by scheduling a visit to a children’s dentist in Austin. Only a professional can update you on your kid’s oral health. 

What to Expect During the Appointment

Sealant placement is not only painless but also fast. It only takes a few minutes per tooth. This is what occurs during the visit:

• Teeth are cleaned and dried.
• An acid etching gel is used to prepare the surface.
• The sealant material is applied and hardened with a curing light.

Kids can resume their regular activities right after the visit. There is no discomfort and no needles.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

Sealants can last for more than a decade, but can dull over time. Regular dental visits enable your dentist to monitor your condition and reapply sealants if necessary. With good home oral care, sealants defend teeth during the most cavity-susceptible years of childhood and adolescence.

Schedule an appointment with our office today to have your child’s dental sealants applied.