Should You Put Sealants on Baby Teeth?

It is normal for parents to want the very best for their children, including their dental health. For example, to prevent cavities and tooth decays. To prevent cavities, some parents, under the guidance of their pediatric dentist, invest in dental sealants for their children. But what is the appropriate age to get sealants? Can dentists put dental sealants on baby teeth?

While dental sealants are typically applied to permanent teeth, there may e situations where your dentist might suggest them for your baby’s primary teeth. Understanding what dental sealants are and how they can help the parents determine whether they are a good choice for their child.

What Are Dental Sealants?

The tooth’s surface is covered with grooves and bumps where the food can stick, turning into a sticky substance called plaque. Gradually, the plaque will eat away your tooth’s enamel, especially when it sits on those nun accessible areas that can be mostly missed during normal brushing.

Dental sealants are a clear plastic resin that starts in liquid form. Your dentist paints the resin onto the surface of your tooth. This dries within seconds, forming a hard coating that fills the natural contours of your teeth, making them easier to brush clean. They also act as a barrier to keep out bacteria and acids that cause plaque and tooth decay.

Are Dental Sealants a Good Idea?

The good part about dental sealants is that they work. Unfortunately, tooth decay is the most common dental problem affecting children worldwide. Additionally, children without sealants typically have three times more cavities than those who have.

Dental sealants have a lot of advantages and very few drawbacks for both children and their parents. First, sealants are safe, and getting them will not hurt. While the sealants do not last forever and may not be covered by dental insurance, many parents see them as a good investment in their children’s dental health.

Doing what you can to prevent a problem is always preferable to fixing it once it occurs. Children can reduce their chance of getting cavities with a quick, painless procedure like sealants. For your child, this means better overall health and avoiding the anxiety that can come with treatment.

What’s the Best Age for Sealants?

Can your pediatric dentist put sealants on your baby’s teeth? Yes. If your child is particularly cavity prone, a dentist might recommend sealants. There is no age restriction to using sealants. However, because the treatment requires your child to sit still on the dentist’s chair, it might be very difficult for young kids. Therefore, parents want to consider a pediatric dentist with experience dealing with very small children and have the right environment and equipment to suit them.

More often, the dentist wits until the child is a bit older, when most permanent teeth have come in. it’s different for every child, but in general, they start showing up at the age of six to eight. Sealants are very active in preventing tooth decay, especially when applied on the molars and teeth chewing surface. So, the pediatric dentist will usually monitor your child’s teeth and apply the sealants as the adult teeth emerge.

Getting Your Child Dental Sealants

Talk to your child’s dentist about dental sealants to prevent your children from getting tooth decays. They may not recommend them for your baby teeth, but they can apply them once their permanent teeth appear. In the meantime, they can watch the signs of cavities during their regular dental visits and treat them if they appear.

If you would like to find a pediatric dentist in Phoenix, AZ, who offers children’s dental health services, visit Desert Ridge Pediatric Dentistry to schedule an appointment.

What Are Some Other Ways of Cavity Prevention in Children?

Some additional methods for cavity prevention besides teeth sealants in children include:

• Ensuring they brush their teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste improves their oral health.
• Ensure that they floss between their teeth each day
• Take them to their kid’s dentist in Phoenix, AZ, regularly
• Encourage them to eat healthier snacks rather than sugary sweets to promote good dental hygiene