The Importance of Sealants in Protecting Your Child's Teeth

Tooth decay is a chronic disease that affects children. Children need to learn how to floss and brush at an early age. This will prevent future dental complications in their permanent teeth. As a parent, there are several things you can factor in to ensure your kids have healthy teeth and gums. Our dentist in Holmdel offers dental preventive measures such as dental sealants, which protect your child’s teeth from cavities and tooth decay.

Sealants are thin plastic coatings painted on the teeth’s surface. The dental sealants procedure is easy, non-invasive and has been gaining a lot of popularity. Dental sealants are either white or clear to blend in with your natural teeth. Our teeth are textured with grooves that help rip apart and grind food. However, these grooves are adept at collecting and storing bacteria which in time causes cavities. The good news is that dental sealants are used to solve this.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

Tooth decay is rampant in children, particularly in teens. Dental sealants protect teeth by preventing germs and bacteria from accessing the enamel. Studies have shown that dental sealants decrease the risk of permanent teeth getting cavities by 76%. The following are the benefits why your child should have dental sealants near you.

Prevent Cavities

The acidity in their saliva changes when your child starts to take real foods, making the enamel softer. Regrettably, with a more delicate enamel, the bacteria can attack easily. The increased bacteria in the mouth due to the intake of sugary food substances will lead to more acid in the mouth. With time the attacked enamel will host bacteria leading to cavities. Untreated cavities can lead to worse dental issues such as abscesses or tooth decay. These type of conditions can compromise not only their oral but overall well-being. Dental sealants are made in a way that they can protect tooth enamel from damage for years. It also reduces the risk of tooth decay in children.

Helps in Avoiding Dental Fillings

For dental fillings to be placed, the decayed part of the tooth must be removed. Then, the pediatric dentist has to restore the tooth by filling it with cavity fillings. Dental sealants can prevent all this. They prevent tooth decay and ensure that your child maintains a clean bill of health.

Enable Your Child To Have a Healthy Mouth

Dental cavities, if left unattended, can lead to several oral problems. First, cavities can develop up to the innermost part of the teeth. This leads to toothaches, sensitivity, and finally, infections. Dental sealants for teeth provide a protective layer that will lower the risk of oral diseases and conditions.

They Improve Brushing

Dental sealants will cover every pit and fissures on the teeth’s surface. This makes it easier for your child to floss and brush their teeth rather than worrying about scrubbing grime from the pitted surface of their teeth. In addition, dental sealants make it difficult for plaque and tartar to stick to the teeth or even discolor. Dental sealants will give your child the confidence to brush and floss and slowly master the art of proper oral care.

For How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Dental sealants can last up to 10 years with proper oral care and maintenance. This is because the materials used for making them can withstand daily chewing and grinding of teeth. First, however, scheduling regular dental checkups with our dentist in Holmdel is necessary. That way, they can examine signs of the sealant wearing or tear off.

Are There Any Possible Complications With Dental Sealants?

Over time, dental sealants will wear off or fall out. Dental sealants will come off if the dentist fails to isolate saliva and the tooth during the placing process. Nevertheless, this is easier said than done when the dentist has minimal time and work on your child’s small mouth. This is why you should look for an experienced dentist at Dipika T. Shah, DDS, LLC. If a sealant does come off, your teeth are not in danger, and another sealant will be placed. Your teeth will only be in danger if only one side of the sealant comes off. But with a professional pediatrician, the odds of it happening will be minimal.