As a parent, you know the importance of keeping your child healthy through Franck family dental. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and limiting sugary treats are all part of a good oral hygiene routine. But what about those hard-to-reach crevices on your child’s back teeth?  This is where dental sealants come in – a solution to help prevent cavities and keep your child’s smile healthy and strong. 

What Every Parent Should Know About Dental Sealants 

What Are Dental Sealants? 

Imagine a thin, invisible shield painted onto the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth. That’s essentially what dental sealants are. They are made from a safe, BPA-free resin that bonds to the tooth enamel, creating a physical barrier that keeps out food particles, plaque, and bacteria. These areas on back teeth, called pits and fissures, are naturally more susceptible to cavities because they’re difficult to clean thoroughly with brushing alone. 

Why Do My Child Need Sealants? 

Children’s back teeth, especially the permanent molars that erupt around age 6 and 12, have deep grooves and pits that trap food particles.  Brushing might not reach all the nooks and crannies, allowing bacteria to build up and form cavities. Dental sealants act like a shield for these vulnerable teeth, protecting them from decay for several years. 

Benefits of Dental Sealants 

There are many advantages to having dental sealants applied to your child’s teeth: 

• Reduced Cavity Risk: Studies show that sealants can significantly reduce the risk of cavities in molars by up to 80%. 

• Less Dental Work: Fewer cavities mean fewer fillings and other dental procedures, saving your child discomfort and saving you time and money. 

• Promoting Healthy Habits: Sealants can instill confidence in your child’s oral health routine, knowing their teeth have extra protection. 

• Peace of Mind for Parents: Knowing your child’s teeth are shielded from decay offers peace of mind and allows you to focus on other aspects of their well-being. 

When Should My Child Get Sealants? 

The ideal time to get dental sealants applied is shortly after your child’s permanent molars erupt, typically around age 6 and 12.  Sometimes, premolars (the teeth in front of the molars) may also benefit from sealants.  Your child’s dentist will recommend the best course of action based on their individual needs. 

How Long Do Sealants Last? 

Dental sealants are incredibly durable and can effectively protect teeth for several years. However, they can wear down over time due to normal wear and tear from chewing.  During your child’s regular dental checkups, the dentist will examine the sealants and reapply them if necessary. 

Remember, Sealants Don’t Replace Brushing and Flossing 

While dental sealants offer fantastic protection, they aren’t a magic bullet.  Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine for your child is still important.  This includes: 

• Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each time. 

• Flossing daily to remove plaque and debris from between teeth. 

• Limiting sugary drinks and snacks that can contribute to tooth decay. 

Taking Care of Your Child’s Smile Starts Here with Franck Family Dental 

Dental sealants are a valuable tool for protecting your child’s oral health and preventing cavities. At C Christian Franck Dental, we offer a comfortable and welcoming environment for children, and our experienced dentists can expertly apply sealants to protect their smiles for years to come. 

Schedule an appointment today and let’s discuss if dental sealants are the right choice for your child’s oral health needs!