Sealing in your child's dental health Written By: Dr. Ankita Shah, January 2019
Sealants are the major cornerstone of modern preventive dentistry. They are one of the surest and most cost effective ways to protect teeth from cavities for years to come.
WHY DO YOU REQUIRE SEALANTS?
Plaque accumulates in deep pits and fissures of molars which lead to enamel breakdown at the depth of the fissures resulting in cavity formation. A sealant is a thin flowable plastic material that forms a protective barrier blocking plaque from entering the fissures and grooves of newly erupted molar teeth, thereby decreasing the chances of cavity. The chewing surfaces become more smooth making brushing more effortless and thereby preventing any accumulation of food or plaque.
In an ADA report http://www.newswise.com/articles/ada-report-on-importance-of-dental-sealant-use, Dr.Handelman discovered that the sealed teeth had approximately 50 times fewer cavity causing bacteria than the unsealed teeth. In addition, HealthyChildren.org states that sealants can prevent 80% of molars from cavities.
WHICH TEETH SHOULD BE SEALED AND WHEN?
Children often eat numerous small, sugary and sticky meals throughout the day, making them more susceptible to cavities. The AAPD reports 80 to 90 percent of cavities occur on the chewing surfaces of permanent teeth. The NIDCR suggests the ideal time to seal is as follows:
| Tooth | Time of eruption (in yrs) |
|---|---|
| First molars | 6 |
| Second Molars | 11-13 |
| Premolars | 10-11 |
HOW LONG DO SEALANTS LAST?
NIDCR suggests dental sealants are a safe and can last up to 10 years.
Sealants protect kids during the most critical years, when they are still gaining manual dexterity and mastering their oral hygiene practices. While sealants effectively provide protection from dental decay, this does not minimize the importance of brushing and flossing, dietary monitoring and regular dental check-ups.
Once the teeth are sealed, and your child is following the recommended home care, you can rest assured they'll enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.
"SEAL THE DEAL TODAY."
Keywords : preventive dentistry, child, children, sealant, kid, sealants, permanent teeth, oral hygiene practices, prevention