As a parent, you help ensure your child maintains a healthy smile with regular visits to a pediatric dentist. During an appointment, the professional may have recommended a dental sealant to supplement your child's oral care routine. If you're unsure what this treatment involves, use the following guide to understand how it will benefit your little one.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Food can easily get stuck between the crevices, or grooves, of your child's teeth. Unfortunately, these areas can be hard to reach when brushing and flossing. A dental sealant acts as a shield for these spots, effectively sealing them from bacteria and tiny food particles that can result in cavities. 

It's a thin, protective resin coating painted over the chewing surface of your little one's molars. Additionally, it can last up to 10 years if well maintained, and the clear or white material cannot be detected in pictures or conversations. 

Why Are They Important?   

Molars are grooved and harder to reach, making them more vulnerable to plaque buildup. If the sticky biofilm doesn't get removed, it can wear down the enamel and lead to cavities. . 

With a dental sealant, your child can avoid cavities on the chewing surface of the teeth. After treatment, the coating shields against 80% of cavities for two years. and 50% of cavities for four years. By preventing decay, your child maintains a healthy smile. That's because natural teeth are stronger than those with fillings or crowns.

When and How Are They Applied?

Dental sealants can be applied as soon as your child's adult back teeth are fully erupted. Typically, the first group of permanent molars can be sealed between 7-9 years of age.  Once the second set arises, when your little one is between 11 and 14 years old, a pediatric dentist can apply an additional protective coating to these.

A sealant application is quick and painless for a child. After their teeth get cleaned, a dental professional will paint a solution on the molars, which helps the resin adhere to the tooth surface. They'll then rinse the mouth before applying the sealant, which gets hardened by an LED curing light.

If your child's due for a dental sealant, visit Pedodontic Associates in Hawaii. For over 45 years, their pediatric dentists have provided reliable preventative care services for infants, children, and adolescents across Oahu and Maui, including dental sealants and routine cleanings. Visit the website to learn more about their anti-cavity treatments. To make an appointment, call (808) 735-1733 today for the Honolulu office, (808) 487-7933 for the Aiea clinic, or (808) 877-006 for the Kahului practice.