Children are highly susceptible to tooth decay or cavities, whether because they lack the responsibility for maintaining a good oral hygiene routine or because they eat excessive sugary foods. Every six months, parents get disappointed when there’s a new cavity every time they visit our pediatric dentistry in Franklin.  

If the cavities seem non-stop, sealants can help prevent decay and shield your kid’s teeth from bacteria. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and challenges this pediatric dentistry procedure poses, helping you decide whether or not they’re a good pick for your family.  

What Are Dental Sealants, and What Benefits Do They Offer?

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth that narrowly fit together to form grooves. They’re a common procedure in pediatric dentistry for kids with dental problems, as sealants can prevent tooth decay when applied precisely to these deep pits.

Since they are most vulnerable to cavities, they are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, known as the molars and premolars. Food particles cannot stick to the teeth and form plaque because the sealant acts as a barrier between each tooth and the food. They are generally not applied to baby teeth.

In fact, the CDC advises children to have dental sealants applied between the ages of six and twelve following the eruption of their premolars and molars. However, there’s no age for sealants; even adults can benefit from them!

Moreover, sealants are very thin and don’t change the appearance of your kid’s teeth. They may feel different at first, but your kid will eventually get used to the sensation of having them.

Are Dental Sealants Effective?

Studies have shown that sealants are effective for preventing decay. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that sealants can shield a chewing surface from roughly 80% of cavities in the first two years following application.

But protection diminishes with time. With good maintenance, sealants have a four-year lifespan. This entails reducing sugar consumption and maintaining a decent oral hygiene regimen. Other foods to avoid are hard or sticky candy, as they can dislodge the sealant.

Even with proper care, your kid’s sealants may last less if they:

• Clench or grind their teeth

• Have a highly acidic diet

• Suffer from acid reflux

Understanding Tooth Decay and How It Affects Children

Tooth decay happens when the outermost layer of the tooth, or enamel, deteriorates. This is often caused by bacteria that accumulate around leftover food particles in your mouth. These procure acids that eat away the enamel, filling it with tiny holes.  

The tiny holes in the tooth are what we know as cavities. While anyone can get cavities, children are especially prone to them for various reasons. For starters, their enamel is still under development, so it’s weaker than an adult’s.

Kids also tend to have poor oral hygiene, as it’s easy for them to underestimate its importance. Furthermore, children typically have less access to fluoride than adults. They also have a higher propensity to eat a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates—two foods that bacteria love. Thankfully, preventive dental treatments, frequent checkups, and good oral hygiene habits can decrease a child's risk of cavities.

Why Is it Important to Stop Tooth Decay When Your Kids Are Young?

Cavities can be very harmful to your kid’s oral health in the immediate and long term. If your child develops cavities and grows accustomed to painful teeth, they might be hesitant to chew or otherwise use their mouth appropriately, which could lead to facial development issues.  

Even if decayed teeth can be fixed with fillings, these teeth are often weaker than unharmed ones. Dental fillings are susceptible to wear down, chipping, or cracking due to constant pressure from clenching, grinding, or chewing. If a dental professional doesn't identify it on time, it can be an ideal breeding place for bacteria, further damaging your kid’s health.

Risks of Dental Sealants for Kids

Dental sealants are painless, and according to research, there are no known side effects from their application. However, there can be dangers if the teeth are not properly checked for dental caries or tooth decay before being placed. This allows the hidden decay beneath the sealant to grow, making it more difficult for dental professionals to find because it is covered.

If not detected, otherwise healthy teeth require extensive fillings and, after being sealed, sometimes even nerve therapy or extractions. Furthermore, poorly applied or broken sealants can contribute to cavities by forming ledges that collect food and plaque in an inaccessible area for a toothbrush to clean.

Who Shouldn’t Get Dental Sealants?

Sealants are a great preventive measure for kids with high dental decay risk factors, but they are not the best option for everyone. Older children who maintain good oral hygiene may not benefit much from sealants.  

Additionally, sealants are by no means a replacement for regular oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing. With sealants, children risk “taking their oral hygiene for granted” and acquiring dental habits that may be harmful to them in the long run.

Who Should Get Dental Sealants?  

Dental sealants are most beneficial to children that:

• Have very deep grooves in their molars

• Suffer from cavities frequently

• Eat a diet high in processed foods, refined flour and sugar, and sugary drinks

• Have special needs that complicate maintaining good oral hygiene or a balanced diet

Sealants should be placed as soon as possible after the eruption of the first molars so that they are not affected by bacteria.

Reach Out to a Pediatric Dentistry in Franklin

Children who are very prone to cavities can benefit from dental sealants, as these protect their molars from plaque and tartar buildup. This is important, as having several cavities in their youth can weaken your kid’s teeth for years to come.

Here at Happy Harpeth Dentistry, we believe that the most important thing is instructing your kid on the importance of proper oral hygiene. So, before opting for sealants, get a professional’s opinion! Contact us if you have additional questions.