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What Are Dental Sealants? Does My Child Need Them?

Child Dental Sealants Wyoming Mi

Our family dentists know the best treatments to protect the oral health of patients of all ages. That’s why we may recommend dental sealants for your child if you bring them to Family Dentistry. Dental sealants cover the surface of your molars to decrease your child’s risk for cavities.

Getting dental sealants is quick, easy, and highly beneficial for your child’s oral health. Let’s take a look at how dental sealants protect children’s teeth.

How Do Dental Sealants Work?

Your back teeth have large chewing surfaces full of grooves and divots. This helps a lot when you’re eating dinner, but it isn’t very helpful for protecting your oral health. Food particles and bacteria can get stuck on these surfaces, leading to plaque and tartar and putting the health of your smile in jeopardy.

Normally, a healthy oral hygiene routine can solve this problem. By brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing daily, and getting your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year, you can eliminate any plaque and tartar buildup and prevent cavities.

However, children are more likely to struggle with brushing their back teeth. It may be hard for them to reach, or they may not brush correctly or frequently enough to make a difference.

If your child gets dental sealants, they can take their time learning a proper oral hygiene routine without putting their oral health in jeopardy in the meantime. 

The Procedure

When you bring your child in for dental sealants, we will first apply an acidic gel to their molars to roughen the enamel on their chewing surfaces. This allows the dental sealant to bond well to their teeth.

Next, we’ll rinse the gel off their molars and dry them. Then, we’ll paint on the sealant and use a blue light to harden the sealant to their teeth.

Applying dental sealants is quick, easy, and painless. If you have any questions or concerns before your child receives dental sealants, feel free to call our office for more information.

Who Needs Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants aren’t a required procedure, but they are recommended for most children. A person’s first molars grow in around age six, and their second molars come in around age 12. It’s most effective to apply dental sealants shortly after your child’s molars have come in. They can even be applied over small cavities in some cases.

Additionally, our dentists may decide to offer dental sealants for certain adult patients as well. If you’re an adult who has a high risk for cavities, ask our family dentists about dental sealants.

How Long Do They Last?

With proper dental care, dental sealants can last several years. Keep in mind that dental sealants aren’t a substitute for brushing, flossing, and getting teeth cleanings every six months. We can keep an eye on your child’s dental sealants and reapply them as needed.

Protect Your Child’s Smile with Dental Sealants

Our Wyoming, MI, family dentists can help you protect your child’s smile with dental sealants. Call Family Dentistry today at (616) 534-5602, or contact us online to request an appointment.