Protecting Your Child’s New Molars with Dental Sealants
As your child grows, one important milestone in their dental development is the eruption of their first set of permanent molars, commonly called the six-year molars. These teeth are meant to last a lifetime but unfortunately, their design makes them especially vulnerable to cavities early on.
The chewing surfaces of molars have deep pits, grooves, and crevices, natural hiding places where food particles and bacteria can get trapped. Even with regular brushing, it can be difficult for children (who are still mastering their brushing skills) to clean these tiny, intricate spaces effectively. That is where dental sealants come in.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings that are carefully painted onto the chewing surfaces of molars. They act as a barrier, sealing off the deep grooves and preventing food debris and bacteria from settling in and causing decay.
Sealants have been around for more than 50 years, becoming widely used in the 1970s. Today, they are a well established and highly recommended part of preventive dental care, especially for children just getting their first permanent teeth.
Why Sealants Are a Smart Idea for Your Child
At around six years of age, children are still developing the dexterity and consistency needed for effective brushing. Even with close supervision, it is easy for plaque and food particles to accumulate unnoticed in the deep grooves of the molars. Once bacteria set in, it does not take long for cavities to form.
By applying sealants early, shortly after the molars erupt, we can protect these new teeth right from the start, often before any decay has had a chance to develop. Research shows that sealants can reduce the risk of molar cavities by up to 80% in the first two years after application.
Even if there are minor signs of early decay, sealants can sometimes help arrest the progression and prevent further damage by cutting off the bacteria’s food supply.
How Are Sealants Applied?
The process of applying sealants is quick, painless, and non-invasive:
- Cleaning: First, the dentist thoroughly cleans the chewing surface of the tooth to remove any plaque or food residue.
- Preparation: A gentle etching solution is applied to roughen the surface microscopically. This helps the sealant bond more securely to the tooth.
- Application: The liquid sealant is then brushed onto the tooth, filling in the pits and grooves.
- Curing: A special light is used to harden the sealant within seconds, creating a durable shield over the tooth.
Your child can eat and drink normally right after the appointment!
How Long Do Sealants Last?
Sealants are very durable and can protect teeth for many years. Typically, they last between five to ten years with good care. During your child’s routine dental checkups, the dentist will monitor the sealants and recommend reapplication if they start to wear down or chip.
A Small Step for Big Protection
Investing a few minutes to place sealants now could save your child from complex dental treatments later. Protecting the six-year molars early gives them the best chance at a cavity-free future, while also teaching the value of preventive care from a young age.
If your child is about to get their six-year molars or if they already have, now is the perfect time to ask us about dental sealants!
