4 Benefits of Dental Sealants for Children

As a parent, you want to protect your child from unpleasant things in life. Take cavities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that half of children ages 6-9 have had cavities. Your child doesn’t have to be in that group. 

Dental sealants are an effective option for parents looking to protect their child’s oral health by preventing tooth decay.

Greenwich Dentistry in Greenwich, Connecticut, offers up-to-date family dental care, including dental sealants to protect your child’s teeth from cavities. 

Made of a safe resin, sealants are a cost-effective and painless procedure that creates a barrier preventing bacteria from taking hold in your child’s mouth. 

4 benefits of dental sealants for children 

Think of dental sealants as a protective coat for your child’s teeth, shielding them from cavities like bundling up shields them from cold weather.

Cavity protection 

The CDC reports that children ages 6-11 without dental sealants have almost three times as many cavities in their molars as kids who received sealants.

That’s a lot of cavities! 

Sealants work because they cover the pitted surface of the molars, where cavities often start. Those back teeth are hard for children to brush well, and the bumpy surfaces hide bacteria and food particles, contributing to tooth decay. 

Painless application 

Applying a dental sealant to your child’s molars is a quick and painless procedure. After we clean your child’s teeth to remove any debris or food particles, we apply a special gel and follow with the sealant. 

Children typically have eight molars, and the sealant bonds to the craggy chewing areas, forming a protective layer. 

It only takes a few minutes after we clean your child’s teeth to protect them with sealants. Then you can go about your day. 

Long-lasting 

With regular tooth brushing and dental checkups, dental sealants can last years. It’s safe to apply them early when your child’s first teeth come in and later reapply as your child grows and their adult teeth come in. 

Cost-effective 

Getting dental sealants is cheaper than filling cavities, and your insurance may cover some or all of them. Plus, your child doesn’t have to experience the pain of cavities or the uncomfortable experience of drilling in their mouth to get them filled. 

Expert advice 

At Greenwich Dentistry, our expert team is proud to offer proven techniques to ensure the dental health of our youngest patients. To learn more about protecting your child’s teeth with dental sealants, contact our Cos Cob office today.