When a Pediatric Dentist May Recommend Dental Sealants

A pediatric dentist knows how common cavities are in children. Spotting and treating tooth decay in children can stop its progress early. This can give your child a healthy start in life. Protecting your child’s teeth from deterioration is possible with dental sealants. If you want to know when a pediatric dentist may suggest dental sealants, here are the details.

When a pediatric dentist would suggest dental sealants

Cavities can develop in the developing teeth of children. Bacteria are always in the mouth. These microorganisms thrive on sugary drinks and foods. This is when acids form and start destroying a child’s teeth. The enamel layer is not that strong in children yet. This allows the easy formation of cavities.

A pediatric dentist would suggest preventing cavities at an early age. This is when a dental sealant recommendation enters the picture. The subject may arise during the first dental appointment. The pediatric dentist would emphasize the critical need to protect the child’s teeth from early decay.

The early application of dental sealants can help provide the child dental protection despite improper brushing techniques. Children are not that dedicated to oral care practices yet. They often brush for about a minute and then rinse. Sometimes, waking up late at night for a midnight snack makes children forget about brushing before sleeping. Dental sealants can reduce the effects of inadequate brushing and flossing.

The proper age for dental sealants

Asking a pediatric dentist about 12-year molars can help parents understand the importance of dental sealants. These 12-year molars stay in the back of the child’s mouth until or after 12 years of age. The rest of the child’s teeth will become permanent at about seven years old. These molars are the longest-lasting baby teeth. It is crucial to protect them when they erupt.

A child’s 12-year molars have more pronounced and deeper grooves than permanent molars. It is often difficult for children to keep these molars clean even if brushing happens two times a day. A pediatric dentist will recommend dental sealants to have about an 80% reduction in cavities. The sealants cover the deep grooves of the 12-year molars. The child does not need to worry about brushing that area hard anymore.

The pediatric dentist will recommend applying dental sealants on the first molars at around six years old. Giving the first round of sealants will protect the first molars while waiting for the second molars to erupt at around 12 years. By this time, the child can get another dental sealant treatment. Every application of dental sealants can last for about 10 years. The pediatric dentist can give the child a fresh application on both molars when the sealants start to deteriorate.

Applying dental sealants on baby teeth is an optimal way of preventing tooth decay. The attending pediatric dentist can check the sealants during each dental visit to see if they need repairs. This is a quick and easy way to ensure the child’s dental health. It can prevent the development of aggravating dental problems as the child grows up.