The best thing your child can do to prevent cavities is to brush and floss daily. But dental caries, or cavities, are a common pediatric dental problem. Children are still developing their motor skills and may need to improve how they brush and floss. Kids also tend to have a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, and parents must take those extra steps to help prevent cavities. Children’s Dental Specialties offers dental sealants in Worcester, MA, as a pediatric dental service to prevent tooth decay.
Sealants give your child’s oral health an extra boost. We can provide this quick and preventive treatment after your child’s routine dental cleaning.
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are clear plastic protective coatings we place on back teeth to prevent cavities. These thin plastic coatings will cover the chewing surface of molars and premolars.
The molars tend to have natural grooves and pits where most cavities begin in children. These teeth are hard to reach even with regular brushing and flossing. We only recommend sealants for the molars because the front teeth don’t have these deep grooves.
Dental sealants were developed as an extra barrier to protect children’s teeth. The sealants will keep food and debris from getting stuck in the deep grooves and pits.
Children who receive dental sealants in our Worcester, MA, office have the added benefit of preventative pediatric dental care. Sealants can reduce the chance of patients developing cavities that create permanent holes in the teeth. Dental sealants also prevent the need for a pediatric root canal or dental fillings. Sealants can reduce the chance of needing restorative care later in life.
What’s the Best Age for Dental Sealants?
Our dentist recommends dental sealants when the permanent molars and premolars erupt between the ages of 6 and 12. The first set of premolars erupts around age 6, while the second set emerges by age 12.
By sealing these teeth early, we can give them extra protection during the years when your child is most likely to get cavities. Also, if we discover your child is at a high risk of cavities, we may recommend applying sealants to their baby teeth.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a simple way to protect your teeth, especially for children. They come with many great benefits that can help keep teeth healthy for years. Here are some of the top benefits of dental sealants:
- Long-Lasting Protection: Dental sealants can last several years. They hold up well but can wear down if you eat a lot of hard or sticky foods or don’t brush and floss regularly. The good news is that Dr. Moheban can easily replace or repair sealants if needed.
- Quick and Easy Treatment: One of the best things about sealants is how fast and easy they are to get. Sealants are applied during a simple dental visit that usually only takes a few minutes. The treatment is painless and non-invasive and doesn’t require drilling or shots.
- Affordable Care: Sealants are an affordable way to prevent cavities. They cost much less than other treatments like fillings, dental crowns, or root canals. Your child can avoid more expensive and time-consuming dental work in the future when they get early preventative care.
- Better Oral Health: Sealants are a smart way to keep the back molars healthy. By blocking out bacteria and food particles, sealants help prevent tooth decay and gum problems. This means fewer cavities, fewer dental visits, and healthier teeth.
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Dental Sealant Treatment in Worcester, MA
Sealants provide quick and painless treatment that we can provide in just one office visit. To begin treatment, we ensure that the teeth are clean. Typically, we provide dental sealants following a routine dental cleaning. Then, once your child’s teeth are clean, we prepare the surface of the teeth with an acidic compound.
Tooth preparation helps the sealants adhere to the teeth. Once the compound dries, we apply the dental sealant to the chewing surfaces with a small brush, ensuring we cover each groove. Finally, we harden the sealant with a curing light.
Dental sealants create a protective barrier against food particles and harmful bacteria that can break down tooth enamel. Harmful bacteria feed on sugars and starches left in the mouth. Plaque and tartar can build on the back teeth, as they can be harder to clean than other teeth.
Cavities are common among children if they don’t properly care for their teeth and gums. Children also often consume more sugary foods and beverages that can attract harmful bacteria. Addressing signs of tooth decay in children as they grow is key because it can impact the health of their permanent teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have more questions about preventative care for your child? We’re happy to help. Learn more about dental sealants in Worcester, MA, with answers to these common questions.
How long do dental sealants last?
The longevity of the dental sealants will vary for each patient. They typically last between 5 and 10 years. At each regular dental check-up, Dr. Moheban will check on them to make sure they aren’t worn down or dislodged.
He can also apply them if needed. To help your child’s sealants last, help them brush, floss, and schedule routine dental visits.
How do you ensure dental sealants last?
Follow these instructions to prevent cavities and make the treatment worth it:
- Brush and floss twice a day
- Don’t chew on ice, hard foods, or sticky foods
- Limit sugary foods and drinks
- Continue to visit for regular cleanings and X-rays
We will examine your child’s molars at regular visits. Our office will ensure your child gets touch-up treatment as needed. We will only apply new sealants once your old ones are completely worn.
Are dental sealants safe for children?
Dental sealants have been thoroughly studied and are considered safe. The materials they are made of have been rigorously tested and meet all safety standards. We highly recommend this treatment for children to help protect their teeth from decay.
Can dental sealants replace fillings?
No. Sealants prevent cavities by covering the grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They help keep food and bacteria out. Fillings repair teeth that have already been damaged by cavities.
We can place sealants on top of fillings to provide extra protection for teeth at risk for future cavities. But sealants aren’t a substitute for fillings.
Do dental sealants hurt?
No, treatment is painless and non-invasive. We don’t need to use anesthetic or sedation for this treatment and your child won’t feel pain after we place the sealants. The sealants feel like a smooth coating over the teeth. Over time, they’ll become unnoticeable.
When can my child eat after dental sealants?
Your child can usually eat right away after treatment. The sealants harden quickly, so there’s no need to wait long.
Still, you want to avoid giving your child sticky or hard foods for the first few hours to make sure everything stays in place. Soft foods are a good choice right after the procedure. If you have any questions or concerns, ask our dentist.
Will sealants affect my child’s bite?
No. Sealants are a thin layer of plastic applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. They don’t change the shape or position of the teeth.
Your child’s teeth will feel normal and he or she can bite and chew without any issues. Dr. Moheban will check your child’s bite during regular visits and make adjustments if needed.
How long do dental sealants last?
Dental sealants can last 5 to 10 years. They’re designed to be strong and withstand the pressure of chewing but can wear down over time if you eat many hard or sticky foods. Dr. Moheban can inspect the condition of your child’s sealants during regular visits. He’ll look for any signs of wear or may reapply sealants if needed.
Schedule Your Child for Dental Sealants in Worcester, MA
Is it time for your child’s next dental cleaning and sealant treatment? Call Children’s Dental Specialties today at (508) 625-5534. You may also schedule a dental appointment online.
Let us know if you have any questions about your child’s sealants or other routine care. We will work with you so your child gets the right treatment for their needs and age group.